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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.; 



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DA 43 7 

04, A 3 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 



A Contemporary Account of 

the Sufferings of the Rebels 

fentenced by Judge 
JefFeries. 



A Memorandum of the 

Wonderful Providences 
of God to a poor un- 
worthy Creature, 

during 

the time of the Duke of Monmouth's 
Rebellion and to the Revo- 
lution in 1688. 

By John Goad, 

07ie of the Sufferers, 



LONDON: 

Longman, Brown, Green, & Longmans, 
Paternoster Row.^^.__.^ 
1849. 




PREFACE. 

HE authenticity of the 
MS. from which this Ht- 
tle book is printed, is 
fhewn at once by its contents, its 
fquare, old, fhrivelled covers of vel- 
lum, its leaves of coarfe texture and 
taw^ny hue, and by the evidence of 
the perfons through whofe hands 
it has paffed to its prefent ow^ner. 
It might have lain for ages in fome 
obfcure hiding place, fave when 
talk of the times defcribed or of the 
men of old whofe fufferings it re- 



vi Preface, 



cords, might haply have called it 
forth to teH its tale of woe, trium- 
phant zeal, and Chriftian refigna- 
tion. It might have periflied by 
accident or gradual decay, and its 
contents thus have been loft to the 
world, but for the circumftance 
of its finding its way into the hands 
ofMr.Macaulay* whowaspleafed 
with its quaintnefs and its truth ; 

* " The beft account of the fufFerings of 
thofe rebels who were fentenced to tranfpor- 
tatlon, is to be found in a very curious nar- 
rative written by John Coad^ an honeft God- 
fearing carpenter who joined Monmouth^ was 
badly wounded at Philips Norton^ was tried 
by Jeffreys^ and was fent to Jamaica. — The 
original manufcript was kindly lent to me by 
Mr. Phippard^ to whom it belongs." — Ma- 
caulay's Hiji. of England^ vol. i. p. 647. — 
Note. 



Preface, vii 

— and whofe favourable opinion 
led the Editor to hope that its con- 
tents would not be unacceptable 
to the Public. 

The MS. contains the memoirs 
of a pious man who lived at a time 
when men were not afhamed of 
their religion ; when they would 
rather be found praying at the cor- 
ners of the ftreets than be fufped:ed 
of not praying at all ; and when 
God was fo much in their fpeech 
that He muft of neceffity have been 
fometimesin theirthoughts. In his 
days, the mailed hands were often 
raifed in prayer, and as audibly was 
the bleffing afked on the battle 
field, as in the clofet. The writer 
is confcious of fome fuperiority to 



viii Preface, 

his aiTociates, but he never exahs 
himfelf as a pattern faint. He con- 
fefles himfelf a Deferter from his 
earthly prince, butonly that, accord- 
ing to his light, he may the better 
ferve his Heavenly King, Few will 
read without emotion, this record 
of pious refignation,*and unwaver- 
ing truft in God, exhibited under 
manifold tortures both of mind and 
body. Doubtlefs had the writer's 
fpirit partaken more of the meek- 
nefs and gentlenefs of his Mafter 
Chrijly he might have refrained from 
applying fome bitter and taunting 
epithets to Jeffreys ; but with him 
they are only the expreffions of 
honeft indignation, and while read- 
ing his emphatic reprobation of that 



Preface, ix 

official fcourge we almoft exclaim. 
Well done, old Puritan ! 

It may be not uninterefting to 
the reader to learn fome further 
particulars of the writer and his 
'^ Memorandum." 

'John Co ad dwelt at Stofordy a 
hamlet in Berwick Parifh near Teo- 
vil in Somerfetjhire ; and there are 
now in that Churchyard, tomb- 
ftones marking the deceafe of feve- 
ral members of his family. 

By certain Statutes oi Charles II. 
fuch perfons only as poflefled a cer- 
tain amount of perfonal or landed 
eftate were liable to ferve in the 
Train bands or Militia of their re- 
fped:lve Counties, to fupprefs re- 
bellion, or refill invafion. Coad 



Preface. 

fpeaks occafionally of his eflate, 
which became forfeited to the 
Crown, or efcheated to the Lord 
of the Manor on his attainder, at 
Wells affizes. He feems to have 
been well known on the road to 
Weymouth, whence he was tranf-> 
ported as a Convid: to Jamaica, 
His writings fhew that he was 
in advance of his fellows in the 
fame rank of life ; and his condud: 
and acquirements gained him the 
efteem of the nonconforming mi- 
niflers in Jamaica, and of men who 
had been fent thither by Cromwell^ 
or of their defcendants, whom it 
was his good fortune to meet on 
his arrival. 

The account of his fufferings 



Preface, xi 

muft have been written after his re- 
turn home in 1690, as he quotes a 
letter fubfequently received from his 
dear and loving friend Mr. Harks 
Garbrand i\\Q ^' good man at whofe 
houfe he had fpent fo many com- 
fortable Sabbaths," defcribing the 
defolatingEarthquake in June 1 692 
whereby Port Royal was almoft 
overwhelmed. 

After Coad returned from his 
banifhment his troubles ftill con- 
tinued ; but his courage was un- 
shaken. Having loft his firft wife, 
he married a young woman in his 
old age. The offspring of this 
union were a fon and a daughter. 
The fon became aDiffenting minif- 
ter named Thomas Coad oi Dorking, 



xu 



Preface, 

where may ftill be feen a mural 

tablet with the following infcrip- 

tion : 

In Memory 

of 

The Rev. Mr. Thomas Coad^ 

Late Paftor of this Church, 

Born at St of or d Somerfet/hire, 

D'yd Jan. 24th 1749, Aged 52, 

And lyes Buried in this Veftry. 

NON OMNIS MORIAR. 

Here, In expedlance of the great affize 
And hope of endlefs joys beyond the Skies 
His mortal part the Body mould'ring lies. 

How juft his hopes, and what his conduft here 
Will at that day without difguife appear. 
Reader, be wife ! and for thy change prepare. 

The Daughter named Sarah 
married. On her grand-daugh- 
ter's death at St, Crofs near JVin- 
chejier in 1808 the original MS. 



Preface, 

from which the following pages 
are printed was found in her trunk, 
and became the property of her 
only iifter Ann Pojihumous of Dor- 
chejier lately deceafed. Several co- 
pies of the original MS. are in ex- 
iftence. Thefe were made for the 
ufe of various defcendants of the 
writer, w^ho took much intereft in 
their family hero ; but they do not 
comprife the whole of the original, 
which contains by way of addenda, 
the narrative turned into verfe. 
The editor however has not thought 
it neceffary to give the poetical ver- 
lion to the public. 

The Editor. 



A Memorandum of the 

W^onderful Providences of God 
to a poor unworthy Creature, 

(From 1 2th of June 1685 unto the 24th 
of November in the year 1 690) In and 
after the Revolution betweene the 
Duke o^ Monmouth and King James. 

Chapter I. 

FTER the death of King 
Charles II. and the advance 
of the Duke of Torke to 
the Crowne, Popery and 
arbitrary government did more vifibly 
appear in continuall and unwearyed 
plotting and contriving to weaken 
the Proteftant party, which gave great 
caufe of feare of the fubverfion of our 




Sufferings of the Rebels 

Religion and Liberties, from which we 
had great hopes of deliverance by the 
Duke of MonmoutJi s appearance, and 
declaration for the proteftant religion 
and liberty ; who arrived at Lyme nth 
of June 1685. The 13th day, being 
commanded out in my traine armes 
for King James ^ went from home, with 
full refolution to goe to the Duke's af- 
fiftance as foone as I could ; but, con- 
iidering the weight of this affair and 
the danger of fuch an enterprize, had 
great reafonings within me while march- 
ing in the King's traine : the hellifh 
oaths and ribauldry of many of that 
Company ftrengthened my refolutions 
in going off. But the two oppofites in 
my apprehenfion was plainly popery and 
flavery and prcteftantifm and liberty ; 
to contend for the former, and oppofe 
the latter was diredlly againfl my prin- 
ciple and confcience : the conclufion 



faitenced by Judge Jefferies, 



then was, it is beft to keepe peace (moft 
well, this noble refolution) within, 
though there was war without ; better 
to incur the wrath of an earthly king 
than an almighty God. 

Moreover, I got an opportunity at 
Charde to retire in a garden alone ; 
there confidered againe of the enter- 
prize, and earneftly feeking to God by 
importunate prayer for diredtion, gui- 
dance and protedlion, was yet more 
confirmed in my refolution, and as it 
were ccnftrained to deny myfelf, and 
leave my all with God^ body, foule, 
wife, children, eftate and all to divine 
providence and protedion. The next 
day we advanced from Charde towards 
Axminfier, but on the news of the ene- 
my's being at hand the moft were driven 
with feare backward, but I was drawn 
by love forward ; and next morning, 
wading through a river to efcape watch- 



Sufferings of the He b els 

es, being the i6th day, came to Axmin- 
fter^ and tendered myfelf and armes to 
the Duke, was kindly accepted, where 
I found Mr. Fergufon at prayer ; and 
foon after Major Foxe gave the orders 
of the Army, giving ftri6t charge againft 
fwearing, thieving, and plundering, &c. 
with Penalties on the breach thereof 

From whence we travelled eaftward 
without any confiderable hindrance until 
we came to Keyfi/liam, where the enemy 
came upon us at unawares, and affault- 
ing 3 pafTages to the Towne, but could 
not prevaile, but retreated with the lofs 
of about 20 men, where I came to pufh 
of pike with them, yet through the pro- 
tection of God had no harm. 

From hence, marching eaftward, we 
lay one night at Philips- Nor to72. Next 
morning, our enemies, coming on us by 
furprize, attacked the north weft en- 
trance into the Towne, guarded only 



fentenced by Judge Jefferu 



eries. 



with two companies, of which I, being 
in one, received a fhot through my left 
hand wrift, and alfo under my left breaft, 
at which inftant falling to the ground, 
bleeding excefTively, lay under foot du- 
ring the fight, being cut down, but 
not cut off; caft down but not for- 
faken : for, the fight being over, was 
taken up alive, but almofl without fenfe 
of feeing or feeling ; fome means were 
ufed to ftop the blood; but my wounds 
being judged mortal, and wondering 1 
was not dead, the chirurgions refufed to 
drefs my wounds ; but the fame evening, 
notwithftanding the great raine which 
fell, our camp moving eaftward, I was 
cafton a waggon with few clothes about 
me ; the fhaking of the waggon made 
my wounds bleed afrefh ; yet my fenfes 
being fomething reftored, defpairing 
of life, I defired death, but could not 
obtain it ; went on eaftward to Frome. 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

The good and gracious God ftill fhow- 
ing his power, in my weaknefs bearing 
me up, as it were by miracle of mercy, 
being in great meafure deflitute of all 
outward accommodations, as friends, 
food, raiment or Phyfitian. Then return- 
ing weft ward, after 3 days lying in my 
blood undrefTed, came to Shepton Mal- 
let. Next morning obtained the favour 
of being drefted : one Mr. Hardy ^ an 
apothecary in Lyme, cutting off my 
bloody clothes, ketched and ftuck faft 
to my body, in fearcMng found the 
bullet lodged in the loins of my back, 
cut it out ; but the Army being ftill in 
motion, and marching weftward, had 
no opportunity of being drefled, until 
I came to Middle/ex, where, meeting 
with my Wife in the time of the 4 days 
A6t of Pardon, being difabled as to any 
further fervice, came away intending to 
lay hold on the Ad ; but the fame day 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

was taken with a violent fever, could 
reach no farther than Long Sutton , where 
I could obtain neither Phyfitian nor 
Chirurgion : my condition feemed dif- 
mal and defperate, yet by the goodnefs 
and mercy of my God, and the flender 
meanes that was ufed by the midwife 
of the place, who adventured to come 
to me privately by night for a while, 
life was prolonged, the fwelling and 
rage of my wounds fomething abated ; 
an incredible deal of waterifh blood 
working ftill out of the wound of my 
back, was ftill under great affliction, yet 
through the malice of fome neighbours, 
was deprived of the afTiftance of the 
midwife, &c. ; the Dukes army being 
routed I had trouble upon trouble, and 
dangers upon dangers, for then inftead 
of Friends to vifit and fympathize, I 
had ftore of Enemies who rifled, re- 
proached and curfed me ; being in the 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

houfe of an Enemy, had no human de- 
fence from the violence of the inhuman 
Soldiers ; but they that took my goods 
and clothes might have taken my life, 
but my God W3.S my fortrefs and strength ; 
He that faith to the Sea, Hitherto /halt 
thou come and no farther^ and here fliall 
thy 'proud waves he flayed : He that 
gave the Devil and his inftruments 
power over Join's goods, fuffered them 
not to touch his body, fo as to cut him 
off; by this fame Power I was pre- 
ferved from being cut off by violent 
hands : mofl; remarkable was the power 
and providence of God {een in this 
wife : for one night, there came Soldiers 
on purpofe, having had information who 
and what I was, as they fwore defpe- 
rately they would kill me, and put me 
out of the pain ; as they came up ftairs, 
one of them, having a piftol in his hand, 
fired in the chamber where I lay ; the 



feiitenced by Judge Jefferles, 

Piftol being over-loaded did me no 
harm^ but hurt his hand that difcharged 
it, which made him run down curfing 
and fwearing as fail as he came up 
ftairs. This fudden affright fomething 
ftartled me ; but through mercy had no 
lefs nor worfe eifeds than thefe : from 
that very time I had the benefit of na- 
ture, which I had wanted feveral days 
before, and the fever left me. That God 
which brings good out of evil brought 
me relief, and did me good by the hands 
of enemies : yet flaying in the houfe all 
night, they feveral times came up with 
execrable oaths and death in their 
mouthes, would come to my bed fide, 
and once took me by the hand, and, 
notwithflanding his rage and drunken- 
nefs which he was in, was forced to pity 
me, and departed lamenting my condi- 
tion : not only the Hands but the Hearts 
of men are in the hand of the Lord who 



lo Sufferings of the Rebels 

hath faid The wrath of man Jliall prayfe 
him, and the reft and remainder he will 
reftrain ; no more wrath fhall be let 
out than fhall turn to his Glory : Thus 
the Lord was with me in the fire of af- 
flidlion. This poor man cryed to the 
Lord, and he heard him. The next 
morning, when they had got a promife 
from me to pay what they fpent in 
drunkennefs and excefs in the night, 
they departed, and went to the Lord 
St awel With, information againfl: me ; at 
which, being greatly enraged and big 
with revenge, gave forth that I fhould 
be brought before him, with this afTer- 
tion, that if I was not hanged, he would 
be hanged for me. Reply was made 
that I was not able to go nor ride ; at 
which he ordered them to bring me on 
a flide. Thus walking through the val- 
ley of the fhadow of death, had God's 
prefence and prote6tion, which faved and 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

delivered me ; though the Lion did gape 
and roar, yet could not devour me. 

The tidings of this Lord's rage was 
brought me at night, whereupon I in- 
ftantly fent my wife to unkle I'homas 
Knight to defire him to go to Sir Ed- 
ward Phelips^ to defire him to crave the 
Lord's leave that I might be brought 
before him ; which being granted, the 
mefTenger was fent to the Lord Stawel 
to acquaint him that I was one of his 
Soldiers, and he defired I might be re- 
ferred to him : this alfo was granted : 
and as the apoftle Paul appealed from 
one enemy to another, fo did I, and had 
this benefit of a few days liberty, till I 
could get a horfc litter to transfer my- 
felf from thence to llchefter ; and com- 
mitted my felf to the keeper of the prifon 
for fecurity and fafety from other ene- 
mies : and, although it was a hard fhift, 
yet then I had fome reft, and Sir Ed- 



12 Sufferings of the Rebels 

ward Phelips ordered a chirurgion to 
take care, if pofTible he could, to fave 
my life, though to an evil purpofe. 

Yet fuch was the wonderful provi- 
dence and goodnefs of God that all 
wrought for my good, during my abode 
at Ilchefter ; which was i o or 1 1 weekes : 
my wounds were much mended and 
ftrength fomewhat recovered, yet ftill 
under much weaknefs and my wounds 
open : was taken and drawn in a wain 
to Cells' afTize, where we had a church 
for our prifon, a board for my bed, and 
fomething more than the fhadow of 
death for my comfort ; for a neigh- 
bour who had much acquaintance with 
Colonel Helyer came and told me that 
I might expedl nothing but death, for 
evidence was prepared, and the aggra- 
vations v/ere that I was a deferter, and 
ran from my colours to the Duke. 
Lefs than v/hich was argument enough 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

to make the Lion's Whelp Geo. Jef- 
feries to roar againft, yea, to damn me, 
if it lay in his power ; for being arraigned 
and pleading Guilty, was condemned to 
be hanged and quartered, together with 
600 and more, my name fet on the 
dead lift to be executed at Wells a few 
dayes after. Here was the utmoft link 
of the Lion's chain ; for my enemies 
though the chief, yet they were con- 
quered and baffled enemies, limited and 
reftrained : The Lord Jehovah was on 
my fide, elfe I had been fwallowed up 
quite. Thefe great waves and billowes 
had gone over my head, but even in the 
mount of ftraites God was feene ; and 
did evidently and eminently appear for 
me, and the name of that place was 
Jehovah Jireh, for God did provide an 
exchange. The fentence of death was 
reverfed in Heaven. God's thoughts 
are not as man's thoughts, nor God's 



14 Sufferings of the Rebels 

wayes like man's v/ayes ; but, as the 
heavens are high above the earth. To 
was his thoughts of mercy towards me. 
Here was the lowed ftep in this valley 
of death, yet I may fet up my Ebenezer 
and fay, the Lord hath helped me, yea, 
was gracioufly prefent with me ; even 
when I jftood before that bloody Nero, 
Geo. Jefferies, I found fuch inward fup- 
port and comfort that I could not fay 
that I feared any evil : but when above 
600 condemned men fell on their knees, 
and moft doloroufly cried for mercy, I 
could not bow a knee or fpeake a word 
for mercy ; but had fuch workings of 
fpirit, and fomething did, as it were, 
fpeak within me, that if it were a thing 
poffible to be done, I would not ex- 
change conditions with the Judge at the 
Bench though I was condemned at the 
Bar : for God commanded the Light of 
inward peace and comfort to fhine out 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

of fuch outward darknefs, that I had 
Tome good apprehenfions of the glory 
of God m the face of Jefus Chrift ; and 

1 may fay with the apoftle Paul, I was 
much troubled hut not diftrejjed, per- 
plexed hut not in defpair, perfecuted hut 
not forjaken, caft down hut not caft away 
or deftroyed: for God w^s my hope, my 
help, and my falvation ; howbeit my 
hope was not in this life, for then I had 
been moft miferable ; but the anchor of 
my foule, Hope, was caft within the 
vayle, and the foundation of my faith 
and hope ftood firmly upon the rock of 
my Saviour's merits, and the foundation 
of God ftood fure : the Lord knew me 
in adverftty, and I may fay with David, 

2 Samuel 22. 5, 7, IVhen the waves of 
death compajfed me, the floods of ungodly 
men made me afraid ; in my diftrejs I 
cryed and called upon the Lord and cryed 
to 7ny God, and he did he are my voice out 



1 6 Sufferings of the Rebels 

of his temple^ and my cry did enter into 
his eares. For while I was at prayer 
with many others, in a morning came 
my fifter that attended me, and calHng 
haftily upon me, I went to her ; and fhe 
told me there was an Officer come into 
the cloifter to call out 200 men for Ja- 
maica fhe much prefled me to endea- 
vour to get out amongft them, fhe being 
much troubled that morning by an infor- 
mation that fhe had, that my fiefh was 
to be hung up before my dore, at which 
fhe fwooned away twice that morning : 
I feeing her in fo forrowful a plight, did 
go with her to the Officer, and privately 
told him the circumflances I was under, 
and offered him a fee to take me into 
his lift, which he refufed, but told me 
that when he called a man that did not 
anfwer, I might anfwer to his name and 
flep in. To deny my name, I was cau- 
tious of, and flood by while many 



Je?7 fenced by ^udge Jefferies. 

others under my circumftance went in, 
for I judge there was near 30 men faved 
by fo doing. I feeing the lift full went 
away ; but fuch was the wonderful pro- 
vidence of God^ there ftood a poor wo- 
man of Charde, a ftranger to me, who 
obferved one of the company unwilling 
to be tranfported, came after me and 
pulling me to the man, he haftily fhifted 
himfelf out of the ftring and put me in 
his place, and told me if I was called, 
his name was Jo Haker : Thus the Lord 
/ent from above ; he took me^ he drew 
me out of many waters^ he delivered me 
from my flrong enemies^ and from them 
that hated me^ for they were too Jirong 
for me. The firft night we lay at Shep- 
ton Mallet^ the next day going to Cafiel- 
larye the Sheriff's men overtook us and 
feized one Mr. Shephard for execution. 
The next night we lay at Sherborn, 
where I was known by many, particu- 



I 8 Sufferings of the Rebels 

larly the conftable, who, being an ad- 
verfary to our caufe^, demanded of the 
officer that was our convoy, whether 
my name was on his lift : no other an- 
fwer would fatisfie him but he would 
fee it, for he faid I ought not to be 
there. Having feen the lift he went 
away, but by the good providence of 
God I heard no more of him : But 
doubtlefs the fame hand that ftiut up 
the mouths of the Lions from devour- 
ing Daniel, ftiut up his mouth and re- 
ftrained him from doing me the in- 
tended hurt : though I lay in the town 
two nights, contrary to my expectation 
and beyond hope I was delivered thence, 
and fetting forward for Weymouth was 
known by feveral on the roade, not- 
withftanding went fafe to Weymouth, 
where I lay one night. Next morn- 
ing I went aboard the ftiip for Ja- 
maica, and took my leave of my native 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

country with much courage and chear- 
fulnefs. 

The next day being fabbath day, our 
fhlp-mafter being afhore, the fheriff's 
men came aboard our fhip and took one 
of our men, and difcourfed of me alfo ; 
on which our Ship-mafter, though a bad 
man, fearing he fhould lofe his PafTen- 
gers, ordered to weigh anchor, and hoife 
fail immediately, which was done. So 
that by the hand of my God I was de- 
livered as a bird out of the Jnare of the 
fowlers^ the fnare was broken and I 
efcaped : for the next day they came to 
IVeymouth hunting for me, but my God 
had mercy on me, and delivered me 
from the wrath of man whofe tender 
mercies are cruelty. 

O w^onderful providence of God^ 
wherein all the attributes of God were 
concerned for a poor worm who is no 
way profitable. I was wounded, but 



20 Suffer iftgs of the Rebels 

Mercy healed; L was caft down, but 
Mercy took me up ; I was in prifon, 
but Mercy delivered me ; I flood before 
the bloody Popifh Judge^ the mercilefs 
monfter JefferieSy but God in mercy was 
with me and held me up ; faithful was 
he that promifed that he would never 
leave nor forfake me ; I was caft in the 
fnare and left for dead by men^ but 
Mercy lengthened out my life. 

I was bound with cords^ but Mercy 
cut them afunder ; my enemies were 
the chief, they were mighty, but the 
Almighty drew me out of their hands : 
Free grace, love, mercy, faithfulnefs, 
wifdom, and power fet all thefe wheels 
of providence on worke for the deliver- 
ance of fuch an unworthy creature. , O 
the love and grace and mercy of God, 
'tis higher than the heavens, 'tis broader 
than the fea, 'tis unmeafurable. Let 
the world know 'tis not in vain to ferve 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

the Lord^ for he is a fun and jhield^ and 
no good thing will he with-hold from 
them that walk uprightly. 

I fhall conclude this firft chapter with 
that which I have verifiedj 124 Pfal. 
If it had not been the Lord who was on 
my fidey when men rofe up againfi 'me, 
then they had fwallowed me up quick : 
when their wrath was kindled againfi 
me, then the waters had overwhehned 
me, the ftream had gone over my foul ; 
then the proud waters had gone over my 
foul, Bleffed he the Lord who hath not 
given me as a prey to their teeth : my 
foul is efcaped as a bird out of the fnare 
of the fowler, the fnare is broken and I 
am efcaped. Our help is in the name of 
the Lord who made heaven and earth. 



22 



Sufferings of the Rebels 





Chapter II. 

HIS fecond Chapter calls to 
remembrance my voyage to- 
ward Jamaica. 

O^. 17, 1685, I went a 
fhip-board and lay at anchor till the next 
day evening ; then I pretty comfortably 
and contentedly left my native country, 
wife, children, relations, and eftate, com- 
mitting them and myfelf to the protec- 
tion and good providence of our God. 
At which time my weaknefs was fuch 
by reafon of my wounds, lofs of blood, 
fever, and long imprifonment that I 
had fo lately pafled through, that I had 
no hopes in myfelf ever to arrive to 
the appointed haven ; but was content 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

to wait on the providence of my God ; 
and was glad that I had efcaped fo great 
a death, being yet in the hands of a 
bitter enemy. The mafter of the fhip 
fhut 99 of us under deck in a very fmall 
room where we could not lay ourfelves 
down without lying one upon another. 
The hatchway being guarded with a 
continual watch with blunderbulTes and 
hangers, we were not fuiFered to go 
above deck for air or eafement, but a 
veflel was fet in the midft to receive the 
excrement, by which means the fhip 
was foon infedled with grievous and 
contagious difeafes, as, the fmall pox, 
fever, calenture, and the plague, with 
frightful botches. Of each of thefe 
difeafes feveral died, for we loft of our 
company 22 men, and of the failers 
and free paflengers I know not how 
many, befides the matter's mate and 
Efquire Linch. This was the ftraiteft 



24 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

prifon that ever I was in, full of crying 
and dying, from whence there was no 
flying, and thus againe I was let down 
into the valley of the fhadow of death, 
yet the Lord was my life, my comfort, 
my hope, my ftay, my ftrength ; his 
rod and his ftaff comforted me : for 
though we could not look out for help, 
yet we could look up for help : This 
poor man cryed unto the Lord and the 
Lord heard, had mercy, and delivered 
me. Though we were fhut down in 
the dark as in a dungeon, yet we did 
pray, and fing praifes to our God^ and 
he was a light round about us : objedls 
of pity we were, and arguments from 
mifery to mercy ; we had enough in 
the day to behold the miferable fight of 
botches, pox, others devoured with 
lice till they were almoft at death's dore. 
In the night fearful cries and groning 
of fick and difl:ra6led perfons, which 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 



could not reft, but lay tumbling over 
the reft, and dlftradling the whole com- 
pany, which added much to our trou- 
ble ; but in this mount of ftraits God 
was feen. O ! how comfortable 'tis to 
remember what fweet efFe6ls our con- 
ftant prayer and praifing our God had, 
in this our miferable condition : we had 
not only the ear of God, but many in 
the ftiip alfo, who being much affected 
interceded for us to be let up above 
deck, and that the well might be parted 
from the ftck ; which was done : and a 
great mercy it was, otherwife few or 
none of us could in an ordinary {q\\{q 
have efcaped : and this we efteemed as 
a great inlargement, and were now in- 
duced by mercy to feek unto God, to 
read his word, and ftng his praife, with 
chearfulnefs and comfort ; in fo much 
that the vileft of our enemies could fay 
no worfe but that they believed the man 



26 Sufferings of the Rebels 

was an hypocrite ; others of a better 
mind would draw near and join with 
us in the evening, when they might, and 
not be feen : for the mafter was a de- 
clared enemy to our praying, if not to 
all other. They would alfo beftow upon 
us fome part of their provifion in fecret, 
to help fatisfie our hunger, which was 
another of our miferies, for the wicked 
wretch would not allow us provifion, 
though there was enough in the fhip 
and to fpare. Some days we had not 
enough in five men's mefs to fuffice one 
man for one meal, which muft ferve 5 
men a whole day except a little bifket. 
Our water alfo was exceeding corrupt 
and ftinking, and alfo v?ry fcarce to be 
had. 

Our want of water was a great afflic- 
tion efpecially after we came into the 
hot weather ; although there was fmall 
beer enough for our voyage in the fhip. 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

we could not have it till we came in 
fight of land, after which, a little was 
fpent, and the reft caft away ; which 
might have made our voyage comfor- 
table in this refpedt : and thus we were 
tyrannized over and abufed by that 
wicked wretch Edw. Brookes ^ mafter of 
the fhip ; who in this refpedt and feve- 
ral other ways helped forward our af- 
flidlion, and embittered our condition : 
yet, neverthelefs, this wicked wretch 
was forced by reafon of the great ftck- 
nefs and mortality amongft the fhip's 
crew, he was forced to ftoop fo low to 
us as to beg us for the Lord's fake, to 
help him in a cafe of great danger, of 
lofing the fhip by breaking the main 
ftay, and at feveral other times, in order 
to the carrying the fhip to the port, 
which we did with all readinefs accord- 
ing to our ability : but when the dan- 
ger was over, his heart was quickly 



2 8 Sufferings of the Rebels 

hardned againft us, and fo remained to 
the laft ; but he foone found the marks 
of God's difpleafure, for he never prof- 
pered after ; upon our information a- 
gainft him at Port Royal, the merchants 
would not frait his fhip home, which 
forced him to lie a long time at a 
Spanifh bay cutting logwood for his 
frait ; and when he came almoft home 
on the Iri/h Coaft he knocked his fhip 
in head on the fhore, and returning 
home found his wife dead, who left him 
a family of fmall children, his imploy- 
ment loft, and he ruined. This was a 
general report of him, fo that we may 
fay, Verily there is a God that ruleth 
in the earth, and rendereth a reward to 
the wicked, his curfing us came down 
upon his own head, and his violent deal- 
ing upon his own pate. 

But in the midft of mifery I muft 
remember mercy, the mercy in general 



I 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

to us all was, we had fpeedy and plea- 
fant pafTage, for wind and Tea favoured 
us ; not a ftorm through all our paf- 
fage ; not becalmed, except about 24 
hours under the Tropick of Cancer ; 
not an enemy molefted us ; which cut 
our days of afflidion much fhorter than 
was expected, and a great mercy it was, 
confidering our mifery and want. 

But the fignal favours to me were 
exceeding great, for having lain about 
5 weeks in great weaknefs and lan- 
guifhing, by reafon of wounds, lofs of 
blood, and other ficknefs ; when I went 
on fhip board I was exceeding weak, and 
had taken a frefh cold, which for a little 
while continued, but it pleafed the Lord 
to recover m^e to health and foundnefs : 
as to the frefn wounds which I carried 
aboard, they healed without the ufe of 
means, mercy never to be forgotten. I 
was wounded, but the Lord healed me ; 



30 Sufferings of the Rebels 

I was weak, but the Lord ftrengthened 
me ; when young men and ftrong men 
were taken down, I was raifed up ; and 
do yet live in his fight, though many 
were taken oiF by death. And I may 
fay with wonder and aftonifhment, that 
the gracious God hath made good his 
promife to a lefs and more vile and far 
more contemptible worm than Jacob ; 
when thou paffeji through the waters^ 
I will he with thee ; and through the 
rivers^ they Jh all not overflow thee; when 
thou walkeft through the fire^ thou /halt 
not he hurnt ; my God hath by wifdom 
and power delivered me from a cruel 
and ihameful death, from hanging and 
burning. In the fiery trial I was not 
burnt ; in the water, the great and vafi: 
ocean, I was not drowned ; but after 
a voyage of 6 weeks and 3 dayes, I 
arrived to Jamaica, 24 November 1685, 
and after one night's riding in the 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 3 1 

harbour, we were put on fhore at Port 
Royal; and then received another great 
mercy and deliverance from the danger 
of the fea, and the clofefl: prifon that 
ever I was in, and one of the bittereft 
of enemies, Ed. Brookes mafter of the 
fhlp. 




3 2 Sufferings of the Rebels 





Chapter III. 

HIS third Chapter calls to 
remembrance the wonderful 
and gracious providences of 
God to me while in Jamaica ; 
which was. As foon as we came into the 
town the people took pity on us when 
they faw us almofl ftarved ; and ran 
and provided what they could get ready 
fooneft : bifket and butter, and frefh fifh 
fried, and frefh water, which was rich 
provifion for fuch poor mifcreants. The 
fick being feparated from us, we were 
put together in a ftable, where we were 
conftrained to lodge on the boards for 
lo days fpace ; but had liberty to walk 
out in the town in the day time, which 



Jentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

was a comfortable inlargement, and 
great refrefhment to us in our afflidion : 
fo that now our hearts were inlarged to 
fing and give praife, to pray and give 
thanks to our God^ for a multitude of 
mercies which we were not afhamed to 
acknowledge, before the great companies 
that reforted to our morning and efpe- 
cially our evening Prayer : who fignified 
their great affedion towards me, in be- 
ftowing on me much alms in fecret, in 
the night time, for our evening prayer. 
(iVfter reading a chapter and finging a 
Pfalm, was without light.) So that now 
I had favour in the fight of many ; and 
the bread caft on the waters was found 
after many daies, with much increafe, 
and in a time of need was a fufficient 
fupply ; for 1 went pennylefs into the 
Ifland, but was now honoured with 
many favours, and had a mixture of 
mercy always to fweeten the bitter pills 



34 Sufferings of the Rebels 

of affll6lion. As foon as we arrived to 
Land one Mr. Robert Speere, a Non- 
Conforming Minifter^ acquainted him- 
felf with us, and was a great comfort to 
us in advifingj diredling, and comforting 
of us ; he acquainted me that Mr. ChriJ- 
topher Hicks ^ a Merchant to whom we 
were configned to be fold, was a very 
confcionable man, a good Chriftian ; but 
did refufe to fell us, for this reafon, 
becaufe he thought us better Chriftians 
than himfelf. But neverthelefs he made 
fupply to our neceffities, and fent to us 
a Phy fitian, and fome to wafh our clothes 
and cleanfe us from vermin, and the 
like ; and after many debates by the 
Minifter and his wife, that flnce it muft 
be done by fome one or other, he might 
be an inftrument of doing us much good 
by getting us good places. At length 
he confented, and came among us, but 
was far from infulting over us : and 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

howfoever he knew me, he called me 
unto him, and with abundance of pity 
and companion, he told me he had ap- 
pointed me a place to ferve one Colonel 
Bacb^ which was the beft place he could 
think of in the Hand. He told me 
that my Mafter was a man that feared 
God, and was very good to his Servants ; 
this was another mercy and unexpected 
favour in a ftrange land, and under my 
circumftance ; and both this Mr. Hicks 
the Seller, and Mr. U^m. Hutchinfon 
the Buyer, (for he was my Mafter, at- 
tourney in truft with the plantation in 
his abfence) ; both told me that they 
intended I ihould be free as foon as I 
could get money to difcharge what was 
laid out on me ; which was a great com- 
fort in my prefent afflidion ; and to this 
end fet but 1 2/. purchafe money upon 
me, whereas I was told 30/. was offered 
for me : but to follow the law of the 



36 Sufferings of the Rebels 

country, I muft return with the reft of 
my fellow captives to the fhip in which 
I came thither, and at the fire of a gun 
out of the fame fhip, the Market be- 
gins : but a man being appointed to 
give me a figne with his hand, I was 
ordered to depart the fhip again, to 
prevent further inquiry about me, and 
offers for my fervice. And now being 
under a new Circumftance, was fent to 
an ordinary for fome time, to recover 
ftrength, before I was fent to my Ser- 
vice. But frefh provifion made fuch 
a fudden alteration that I was forely 
afflicfled with the flux, infomuch that 
after about a month's continuance, and 
much means being ufed, my Do6tor left 
me for a dead man, my Mafter fold the 
clothes which he had made for me, and 
all hope of life was pafl. 

But it pleafed the hord again to fhew 
his power, love, mercy, goodnefs, and 



fentenced by yudge yefferies, 

truths in my weak, low, deftitute con- 
dition : When friends failed, phyfitian 
failed, hopes failed, yet he failed me 
not ; but to the admiration of all about 
me I was raifed up, and made again a 
monument of his mercy, and made a 
wonder to myfelf for what end I fhould 
be preferved through fo many dangers 
and vifible deaths. 

The difeafe having left me, I foon 
got ftrength, and was fent to my fervice, 
about forty miles from Fort Royal, by 
water ; when I was landed, I had about 
5 miles to go by land to the Plantation ; 
while I was mufing, difconfolate under 
this new circumftance, the Lord was 
pleafed to raife up new and unexped:ed 
Friends to comfort and fupport me, for 
Colonel Lyne and Lieutenant Garhrand 
came to meet me, and welcomed me 
very kindly into their country, and dif- 
courfing very freely and comfortably to 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

me^ afTuring me of their kindnefs and 
readinefs to advife in my undertaking : 
invited me to their houfes with much 
earneftnefs and defire of farther ac- 
quaintance with me ; and that I would 
not be fhy but free with them, notwith- 
ftanding the diftance between us. In 
this cafe and place this was a great 
mercy that I found fuch favour in a 
ftrange land, as confifted not in empty 
words, but many real favours, and con- 
tinued kindnefTes throughout my whole 
time with them : So earneft were they 
of acquaintance with me, that before a 
week to an end. Colonel Lyne fent me 
a prefent of cheefe and butter, no lefs 
worth than ten fhillings, with another 
invitation to his houfe : next day, wait- 
ing on him, was exceeding kindly en- 
tertained by the Colonel. Mr. Gar- 
brand alfo fent for me to his houfe, and 
kindly entertained me, and defired me 



fentenced by Judge Jeffe 



ertes. 



to be free with him^ and that there 
might be no ftrangenefs, but Chriftian 
conference, and mutual love, and affec- 
tions between us, and that we might be 
helpful one to another in refpedt of the 
good of our fouls ; telling me they 
wanted help in thofe dark parts of the 
world ; and I affured him that accord- 
ing to my fmall abilities I fhould moft 
readily ferve him, keeping wathin the 
bounds of my duty and calling. And 
not only thefe, but indeed all the reft of 
the neighbourhood were very kind and 
courteous to me. 

And for the moft part, though the 
country were very hot, yet I had my 
health indifferently well. 

Amongft the reft of our temporal 
mercies, befides friends and health, the 
good and gracious God, which provideth 
for all his creatures in all places of the 
Earth proper food to maintain and fuf- 



40 Suffer mgs of the Rebels 

tain them in life^ provided for me food 
convenient, and far beyond my expec- 
tation ; (for the rude feamen, in their 
reproaching and maligning of us, would 
threaten to carry us beyond bread and 
drink, which was fomewhat a fad reflec- 
tion ; but they were miftaken, for they 
could not carry me beyond the bountiful 
hand of my God.^ Though it was not 
my native food, yet it was natural, fweet, 
pleafant, ftrengthening, and healthful 
food ; and by the blefling of God had 
the fame ufe and effedt on us for which 
food is ordained ; fo that I was but 
emptied into a new vefTel, and it was 
but an exchange ; Old friends for new 
friends, old bread for new bread, and 
an old habitation for a new ; fl;ill fed 
and clothed, and upheld by the fame 
hand of Providence : As God's Enemies 
are never out of his reach, though they 
fly to the utmofl: parts of the earth, fo 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

his Servants are never out of his care, 
forgotten or negle6led by him, though 
they may be removed far from their 
border : fo that he that might have been 
free amongft the dead, is yet a fervant 
amongft the living, and has flill caufe 
to praife the Lord ^\\o{q ways are ways 
of pleajantnefsy and all his paths are 
peace : who is ftill good to them that 
fear him, to the foul that waiteth for 
him ; fo that no time, though it be 
perilous, no cafe, though it be dange- 
rous, no place, though it be diftant, no 
circumftance, though it be dark, no 
enemies, though they be cruel, can de- 
prive a foul of his help, hope, comfort, 
joy, and peace in his God. The un- 
worthieft of his Servants can fet to his 
feale, and teftify this to the glory of his 
Grace. For I was in peril by enemies, 
in perils by war, in perils in my own 
country, in perils by fea, in wounds and 



42 Sufferings of the Rebels 

weaknefs, in poverty and fcarcity, my 
cafe was difficult and dangerous, I was 
removed far from my border, I was 
under very dark circurnftances, I was 
in the hands of cruel enemies ; but the 
Lord hath given me peace for perils, he 
hath given me foundnefs for wounds, 
health and ftrength for weaknefs, plenty 
for poverty and want ; the Lord hath 
given me fafety from danger, the Lord 
hath given me liberty for reftraint and 
imprifonment, light for darknefs, hath 
put me into the hands of friends, inftead 
of enemies ; all this and much more 
was the produd: of free grace, and rich 
bounty to an unworthy creature ; who 
hath now fet me free from fear, and 
brought me into a wealthy place (as to 
externals), and hath cafl: me into pitiful, 
merciful hands, for my Mafter con- 
fidered my loffes in England, and told 
me he would put me in a way to begin 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

the world ; and accordingly he did give 
me fome ftock^ and allowed me to keep 
it and the produce on the plantation ; 
which brought me at length pretty much 
advantage : many other friends and ad- 
vantages I had, to recover my lofs as to 
temporals. 

But as to fpirituals, I was cafi; into a 
remote and dark place, a barren wilder- 
nefs, where was no water, no ordinances 
to be injoyed in publick; which, for a 
time, was a very great trouble to me. 
Many thoughts did arife how I fhould 
do to keep a little fpark of love to, and 
zeal for Gody alive ; how I fhould live 
without the bread of life, and milk of 
the word ; and this was now my greateft 
trouble, it fluck clofe now to confider 
that I had finned away the Gofpel, and 
fuch glorious Gofpel advantages ; and 
was conftrained to dwell in Me/Jiech, 
and to inhabit the tents of Kedar, where 



44 Sufferings of the Rebels 

was none but 6 fervants ; of which my 
place was not the loweft : fo I thought 
it my duty to call them to Prayer, morn- 
ing and evening, in the family ; to which 
they for a while did conform : but the 
Sabbath which had been my delight, 
wherein I was wont to injoy fweet com- 
munion with God^ now was imployed in 
needlefs Vifits, and tatling, and drink- 
ing ; or at leaft things very impertinent 
and unfavoury for the time, which it 
feems had been the cuftom of the houfe, 
and was a grief to me : but loth to give 
occafion to neighbours, and the reft of 
the family, rigidly to forbid the ill cuf- 
toms in profaning the Lord's Day in this 
manner ; but to prevent it, fpent the 
time in reading and difcourfe unfuitable 
to them : By this means we purged 
ourfelves by degrees from their com- 
pany ; and had brought the family into 
better order and manners ; fo that we 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

fpent the day in private prayer, and 
reading the Scriptures ; noting fome 
plain pradical things for our prefent 
edification from them. Such as would 
ftay for a dinner with us, muft either 
ftay below by themfelves, or join with 
us above. This family order was the 
better efFecfled, becaufe there were 3 
of us fellow fuiferers which had the 
charge and command of the plantation 
within dore and without, and this order 
continued for fome weeks : but my dear 
friend Mr. Garhrand prefled me to a 
more publick exercife, and deiired that 
we, with the reft of our neighbours, 
would meet and fpend the Lord's Day 
at his houfe ; at which I was averfe, and 
made feveral objeftions : befides my in- 
fufficiency, I thought it unwarrantable 
for me : Arguments were ufed by him 
in cafe of fuch neceffity, that it was my 
duty to ufe my talents, and to commu- 



46 Sufferings of the Rebels 

nicate to others ; in cafe of fuch necef- 
fity, and want of publick ordinances ; 
fetting before me the example of Colo- 
nel Bach^ his publick exercife at Fort 
Royal for many years with good fuc- 
cefsj and though fome things might 
not be lawful nor expedient in fome 
places and caufes, yet, in cafe of necef- 
fity, were both lawful and expedient, 
quoting that of David's eating fhew- 
bread. Notwithftanding all this, and 
much more, to prefs me forward, my 
refledlions on my own infufficiency was 
an objection. The anfwer was, that 
God would not defpife the day of fmall 
things; and if there were firfl: awilHng 
mind, God would require no more of us 
than he had given. 

My want of helps, having no other 
book but my Bible fit for fuch an un- 
dertaking, not fo much as a Concor- 
dance, was ftill matter of objedlion ; and 



fentenced by yudge Jefferies, 

for a week or two prevailed ; and ftill 
lamenting the lofs of Gofpel injoyments, 
at length, confidering the great mercy 
of God in cafting my lot amongft fome 
that had good defires and inclinations, 
together with mine own neceffity, be- 
gan to think of feeding on fhewbread 
rather than ftarve : it pleafed the Lord 
to bring to my remembrance a fubje6l 
I had heard many years before from 
old Mr. AJhod, on the i ith o^ JMs, 23, 
Who^ wheyi lie came, and had feen the 
Grace of God, was glad, and exhorted 
them all, that with purpofe of heart they 
would cleave unto the Lord. The dif- 
ciples upon the perfecutlon were fcat- 
tered abroad as far as Phenice, and Cy- 
pruSj and Antioch, which, when they 
came to Antiochy preached the Lord Je- 
fus. And a great number believed; 
which, B amah as, when he came and 
had feen, was glad, &c. Obferved that 



48 Sufferings of the Rebels 

God by fimple men, in fpite of tyranny, 
cruelty, and perfecutlon, replenifhed the 
world with the founds of the Gofpel ; 
for the moft part of them that preached 
the Gofpel, they were poor, weak, and 
defpifed, in the world ; but he that 
called them, made them fit for it, by 
giving them his Holy Spirit. We hence 
noted alfo what good and gracious ends 
God fometimes hath in fuffering his peo- 
ple to be perfecuted. Upon the perfe- 
cution, after our Lord Jejus was put to 
death, the difciples were fcattered abroad, 
efpecially about Cyrene, and made known 
the Lord J ejus Chriji to many and far 
countries. The Gifts and Grace of God 
in them could not lie hid ; but they 
preached Chriji wherever they came, [8 
A^s, beginning.] Note alfo that the 
Lord can bring great good out of the 
greateft evil, and kindle the light of the 
Gofpel out of the darknefs of perfecu- 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

tlon ; hence we noted what great care 
the Apoftles and Servants of God took 
to build and preferye the Church even 
in far countries. Barnabas was fent 
from Jerujalem to Antioch ; and, to 
confirm them in the faith and do6lrine 
of Chrifi, he goes to Tar/us to feek 
Paul; and Paul and Barnabas for a 
whole year aiTembled themfelves with 
the people, and taught much people. 
But the words of Barnabas, when he 
firft came to Antioch^ and had (ttn the 
grace of G^^ beftowed on them, through 
the preaching of the perfecuted, fcat- 
teredj banifhed difciples of Chrijl, was 
glad, and exhorted them all with full 
purpofe of heart to cleave unto the 
Lord. Whence we fee a Church planted, 
watered, and grew in a far Country and 
defert place ; a great work of the great 
God : The Inftruments were the Difci- 
ples and Apoftles of Chrift, In the 



Sufferi?2gs of the Rebels 

words Barnabas is come to Antioch : 
how he was aiFefted when he had feen 
the grace of God m them ; he was glad; 
from hence this obfervation that the 
Gofpel, and grace of God, fown in the 
heart and difcovered in the Life^ is great 
ground of joy and gladnefs. 

2. His exhortation to this Church, 
that with full purpofe of heart they would 
cleave unto the Lord. We noted that 
after perfons or places have received the 
Gofpel and grace of God, 'tis their duty 
with full purpofe of heart to cleave unto 
the Lord Jefus Chrift ; to get more, and 
farther degrees of Grace : or this, that 
full purpofe of heart, and ftrong refolu- 
tions of perfevering in Chriftianity, is 
every true Chriftian's duty, from the 
laft words. Cleave unto the Lord : that 
union with the Lord Jefus Chrift is of 
abfolute neceffity : if we are not in- 
grafted into him, we can draw no fap 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

of grace, and faving virtue from him ; 
and fo in time fhall fall away, and be 
cut off, as unfruitful branches, and caft 
into the fire. 

We confidered this notion, the grace 
of God, in a double fenfe : 

1 . The grace of God in fending them 
the Gofpel called the word of his grace , 
[A6ls 20. 32] which is able to build you 
up, and to give you an inheritance among 
all them which are Jan^ified : and this 
word of grace, the great and main ef- 
fects of his grace, the Lord Jefus Chrift, 
and the promife of life, and falvation 
upon the terms of true repentance, and 
faith unfained, &c. [14 A5ls, 3 verfe.] 

2 . The grace of God, whereby a per- 
fon is enabled acflually to believe ; to 
receive the word of his grace ; to im- 
brace Jejus Chrift as he is tendered ; 
and to fubmit to his Law, and yield 
obedience to him ; to put himfelf under 



52 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

his government : this is called inherent 
grace. We gave this difcription : The 
grace of God is a principle wrought in 
the heart of a man by the Word and 
Spirit of God ; wherby there is a uni- 
verfal change in the whole man, and he 
is turned from fin, and Satan to the 
living God; from darknefs to light, from 
dumb Idols to ferve the living God. The 
ordinary means of conveying this grace 
into the heart, is the Word of God faith- 
fully preached ; and when 'tis received 
aright, 'tis compared to feed fown in 
good ground. The good ground is a 
good and honeft heart, and bringeth 
forth much fruit ; [^Matth, 13. 8 and 23] 
but he that receiveth feed into the good 
groundy is he that heareth the word and 
under ft andeth it^ which aljo bear eth fruity 
and bringeth forth fome a hundred fold y 
&c. 'tis compared alfo to leaven hid in 
3 meafures of meal, till all be leavened 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

\_Matth, 13. 1^';;^ : 'tis of a fpreading 
and growing nature. Now this fpring 
of grace doth proceed from God^ the 
Fountain of all Grace ; from Chrift^ the 
Procurer of all grace ; from the Spirit 
of God^ the Worker of all grace ; now^ 
that it might be matter of joy and glad- 
nefsj we defcended to fhew the help- 
lefs^ hopelefs eftate we were in by na- 
ture, in our blood ; without help in our 
felves ; under the curfe of God; in a 
ftate of death and darknefs ; liable to 
the wrath of God^ and torments of hell, 
every moment : now the grace of God 
faves and delivers from all this mifery, 
and fo is a great ground of joy and re- 
joicing. The grace of God is a principle 
of life in the foul, in oppofition to the 
ftate of death. Te who were dead in 
tre/pafs, hath he quickned. 

We considered the grace of the Gof- 
pel in itfelf was glad tidings of great 



54 ■ Sufferings of the Rebels 

joy wherever it came to all people [2 
Luke^ 10, 11] ; but when the Gofpel 
is received, and the Lord Jejus Chrift 
aright imbraced, this is matter of great 
joy and gladnefs, and that to angels and 
men. Behold ^ we bring you this day glad 
tidings of great joy ^ which /hall be to all 
people. For to you is born this day in 
the city of David a Saviour, which is 
Chrift the Lord. And Jodainly there 
was with the angel a multitude of the 
heavenly Hojl praifing God, and faying. 
Glory to God in the highefi, and on earth 
peace, good will towards men. What 
matter of joy is here ? If this was mat- 
ter of joy and gladnefs to the Angels 
and Heavenly Hoft, what caufe have 
we, that are made partakers of the bene- 
fits and priviledges of the Gofpel and 
grace of God, to rejoyce and be glad. 
This grace of God did more plainly ap- 
pear to be matter of joy and gladnefs, 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

by confiderlng what evils it delivered 
from, and what a blefled ftate it exalteth 
to. 

1. It freeth us from the curfe of God^ 
due to us for fin ; from which we could 
not efcape but by the grace of God. 
While we were under the Law we were 
under the curfe ; but the Lord Jefus 
Chrift was made a curfe for us. 

2. Such as have obtained this grace of 
God are delivered from the reigning 
power and dominion of Satan^ and in 
fome meafure from his powerful temp- 
tations. 

3. By grace we are delivered from 
our own natural corruptions : Sin JJiall 
not have dominion over you, for ye are 
not under the law, hut under grace : in 
ihort, by this grace of God, we are made 
conquerors of all our fouls' enemies. 

4. This grace of Gi?^ deli vers us from 
the guilt of fin in our confciences. How 



56 Sufferings of the Rebels 

terrible this was in Cain and Judas and 
Sapphira^ and in every awakened con- 
fcience, when the defert of fin, and the 
wrath of God falls upon it : 'tis by 
Grace that the heart is fprinkled from 
an evil confcience. In jfhort, by grace 
we are Javed from all evil, from curfe, 
v/rath, death, hell, all the evils of this 
life, that tend to our deftru6lion, and 
the life to come. And by Grace 'tis 
that we are made partakers of all the 
priviledges of this life, and that which 
is to come. 

I. Such as have this grace of God 
fown in the heart, and difcerned in the 
life, have peace with God^ and reconci- 
liation through J ejus Chrift, The ene- 
my is flain through the blood of his 
Crofs, by him to reconcile all to him- 
felf [5 Royn. i, 2 ver.] Being jujiified 
by faith ^ we have peace with God through 
Jefus Chrift. And ye that were fom- 



fe?2tenced by Judge yefferies. 

times enemies in your minds^ by wicked 
works, yet now hath he reconciled by 
the blood of his Crofs : this is matter 
of great joy and gladnefs. 

2. By this Grace we have accefs with 
boldnefs to the throne of Grace : \Heb. 
4. 16. Eph, 3. 12] in whom we have 
boldnejs and accefs with confidence by the 
faith of him. 

3. Such as have this grace are not 
only admitted into the Church of Chrifi 
on earthj but are taken into the family 
of God^ and into a near relation to the 
Lord Jefus Chrifi : they are called the 
Children of God^ and the Children of 
the Higheft ; the Sons of God. [i Ep. 
John^ 3. I. — 3 Gal, 26.] For we are 
all the children i?/God by faith in Chriil 
Jefus. Chrift is the hufband, the Church 
is the married wife. [5 Canticles^ i .] He 
is not afroamed to call fuch brethren. [2 
Heb. II.] Not only a fervant, but a 



58 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

Ton, and an heir, the members of Chrift. 
[4 GaL 7.] Now to be of the Family 
of God^ and houfehold of faith, in fo 
near relations to God and the hord Jefus 
Chriftj is matter of great joy and glad- 
nefs. Here is not only great priviledge, 
but great honour and dignity, which is 
matter of great joy and gladnefs. 

4. They that have this Grace fown 
in the heart and difcovered in the life, 
have not only a relation to God and 
Chrift^ but alfo a title to Heaven and 
Glory. [4 Gal. 7] Wherfore thou art 
no more a Jervant^ hut a Jon ; and if a 

fon, then an Heir ^/God through Chrifl;. 
Such are faid to be begotten again to an 
inheritance incorruptible^ undefiled^ that 

fadeth not away ; hut is referved in 
Heaven for you. [i Pet. i. 3, 4.] 'Tis 
the fame glory which our Lord Jefus 
Chrifl doth now fhine in. [17 John^ i'i\ 
'The glory which thou gavefi me I have 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

given therriy that they may he one as we 
are one. [24 ver.] Father ^ I will that 
they which thou haft given me may he 
where I am, that they may behold my 
glory which thou haft given ?ne. If we 
have the Grace of God m pofTefTion, then 
we have the glory of God m heaven In 
reverfion. Grace in our hearts is glory 
begun ; and grace finifhed is glory com- 
pleted. What ground of joy and re- 
joycing is here ! Again we confidered 
that this ftate of grace is a fure ftate, fo 
that none that hath it can fall totally 
and finally from it. Though they may 
fall foully, yet they cannot fall finally. 
David and Peter and many other exam- 
ples, we have to this purpofe. The 
falvation of fuch is founded upon God's 
Covenant, though we may break on 
our part, yet 'tis firm on God's part : 
fuch as have the grace of God are led 
by it to repentance. 



[6o 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

The foundation of God flandeth Jure^ 
having this feal^ The Lord knoweth who 
are his : fuch have for their fecurity 
the word and covenant of an immutable 
Gody and Je/us Chrifi will lofe none that 
are given to him. [lo John^ 28] None 
fhall pluck them out of my hand: I give 
unto them eternal life and they fJiall 
never perifh. Oh then what great ground 
of joy and rejoycing is here! for fuch as 
have grace in truth, their flate is fure : 
they<^r^ kept hy the power of Godi through 
faith to falvation. [i Pet. 1.5.] The 
falvation of fuch is locked up in the 
eternal and unchangeable purpofe of an 
immutable God; and he hath, as it were, 
delivered to them the keys, which are 
faith, and repentance : and fo their foul 
is fure and fafe. And now you fee 
what great ground of joy and gladnefs 
fuch have. We added one thing more, 
that was the promife of God's Spirit 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

while we are in this world, to help our 
infirmities, to make intercefTion in us, 
to enable us to pray, and perform all 
thofe duties which God requires of us, 
and to avoid enemies and evils. And 
this was matter of great joy and glad- 
nefs. 

For application : i . Inference was to 
fhew us where to feek this grace that 
delivers us from fo many miferies, and 
advanceth to fo great happinefs. This 
informs us that this grace is originally 
and vertually in God^ and not to be had 
any where elfe; and we are not to feek 
it from men nor angels, any farther than 
God will ufe them as inftruments to con- 
vey his grace into us. [2 E^ph. %'\By 
grace ye arefaved, that not of your /elves, 
it is the gift of God. We that have grace 
are his workmanfhip, created in Chriji 
Je/us to good works [ver. 10]. Grace 
is the root, good works are the fruits ; 



62 Sufferings of the Rebels 

fo faith is faid to be the gift of God. [2 
Tim, I. 9.] This work of Grace is 
called the new creature, or new creation ; 
which none but the power of an Al- 
mighty God can effedl. 

2. If it be the free Grace of God that 
faves us from all thefe miferies, and ad- 
vanceth us to fuch great and ineftimable 
priviledges, and is fuch caufe of joy and 
gladnefs ; then, in the 2d place, this in- 
forms us that we have no reafon to glory 
in ourfelves ; but let him that rejoiceth 
and glorieth, glory in the Lord : if it be 
of grace, then 'tis not of works ; there- 
fore boafting is excluded. 

'Tis God by his grace hath made us 
to differ. We may glory and be glad 
in this that our names are written in 
Heaven. The Apoftle Paul^ notwith- 
ftanding his abundant revelation, would 
not glory in this, but in his infirmities. 
[2 Cor. 12. 5, 9.] 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

3. Inference was, that fuch have no 
reafon to infult over others. [11 Rorn^^ 
The Apoftle largely correds this error 
in the Gentiles infulting over the Jews : 
he fhews that 'tis not of works, but of 
grace, that they were graffed into the 
true vine, which were by nature wild 
olives [6 ver.] : he fhows 'tis not of 
works, but of grace, that they ftood. 
[18 ver.] Boaft not againft the branch- 
es ; Thou hear eft not the root, but the 
root thee. He fhows, in 20 ver. that 
they ftood by grace ; therefore, be not 
high minded, but fear. We have no 
reafon to infult over others that have 
not this grace, but to be humble and 
thankful that God hath freely beftowed 
this grace on us, and pafted by fo many. 

4. Inference was, that fuch as have 
this Grace have no reafon to greive or 
forrow ; much lefs to murmur under 
any troubles, afflidlions, poverty, or dif- 



64 Sufferings of the Rebels 

grace that can befall them in this life. 
If they be called by grace, and made 
partakers of fuch priviledges, and de- 
livered from fuch fpiritual evils ; then 
fure they have no reafon to be difcon- 
tented at any thing they meet with in 
their way. If we are going to our Fa- 
ther's Houfe, where we fhall have plenty 
of all things, as much as heart can de- 
fire ; we fhall not take it much amifs, if 
we have but coarfe entertainment by the 
way, fo as to hinder us when we are 
going to take poPfefTion of our inheri- 
tance. The good and gracious God 
hath ordered it to be fo. That grace 
muft be tryed, and exercifed, by afflic- 
tions in this life ; and through many 
tribulations we mud enter into the King- 
dom of Heaven ; and that we muffc fol- 
low our Captain and bear the Crofs, if 
we would wear the Crown. Our bleffed 
Lord indured the crojs^ and dejpifed the 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

jhame^ and is fat down at the right hand 
of the throne ^/God. \Heh, 12. 2.] He 
humbled himjelf to the deaths even the 
death of the Crofs. 

Can we expe^l better entertainment 
then our Lord. Let us not be afraid 
of fufferings, or ftumble at the Crofs ; 
fince 'tis the ready way to the Crown : 
but exercife faith and patience a little 
while, and it will be over. Our Lord 
hath overcome, and is fat downe &c. 
and hath promifed that if we overcome, 
he will make us pillars in his houfe^ and 
we Jh all go no more out. [3 Rev. 12.] 

We have abundance of promifes to 
overcomers : and in them abundant in- 
couragement to go through thick and 
thin to indure to the end. Shall we 
think it much to indure a little afHidlion 
for a moment, fo we may have an eter- 
nal weight of Glory : light afflidlion for 
a weight of glory ; momentary afflic- 



K 



66 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

tlon, but an eternal glory. What little 
reafon have fuch as have this grace, that 
intitles them to glory, to be difcouraged 
at a little fufFering for a little while ih 
this world ; efpecially while our God 
hath promifed his grace /hail be Jufficient 
for us ; And he will give ftrength to 
bear, and make a way for our efcape. 
We look in the holy martyrology which 
fufFered and fat down in glory [i i Heb.'] : 
they all were inabled by grace to pafs 
through their great fufFerings. If all 
thofe famous inftances did fuffer fuch 
things, and through many tribulations 
entered into the Kingdom of Heaven, 
how fhall we expe6t better fare in this 
world ? All our afflictions and fuffer- 
ing, fhould not deprive us of our fpiri- 
tual joy and gladnefs, if we have this 
grace of God. 

5. Inference was that they that have 
not this grace of God have no ground 



fentenced by ^udge "Jefferies, 

of joy and gladnefs, but of forrow and 
mourning, i. Becaufe they lie under 
the curfe of Gody and fentence of death, 
atnd the execution day will come without 
repentance, and 2. they are liable to the 
wrath of God and they are faid to be in 
a dead ftate, dead in trefpafTes and fins. 
3. Such as have no faving grace are 
faid to be blind and naked, poor and 
miferable ; and what caufe have fuch to 
rejoyce and be glad ? 4. Such cannot 
pleafe God: Without grace 'tis impof- 
fible to pleafe God^ nor injoy any hap- 
pinefs from God ; except the image of 
God be renewed on us in fome meafure, 
we fhall not be accepted of him : their 
very prayers are abomination, their ftate 
is a ftate of enmity to God^ and in a 
moft miferable condition. 5. Such as 
have no grace can have no true peace 
in their confciences. Inhere is no peace 
to the wicked {ciith my God\Ifa, 48. 22] : 



68 Sufferings of the Rebels 

Though we fee a fair eftate, there may 
be war in the foul, and therefore no 
caufe to rejoyce. 6. Such as have no 
grace have no caufe to rejoice, becaufe 
they are captives and prifoners, and that 
to their worft enemy the Devil : He 
leads them captive at his will, and they 
obey him, and are his fervants. This 
is every man's condition till God^ by his 
grace, do refcue him out of the hands 
of the Devil. And is it not a fad thing 
to be led about by the Devil, to be at 
his beck and command, to fulfill all 
the defires of the fiefh, and the Devil ? 
We look on it to be a miferable cafe to 
have our bodies captivated and fold ; 
How great then is their mifery that 
have fold their fouls and bodies to work 
wickednefs, and that with greedinefs, 
and that to the worfl: maifter in the 
world, and that for ever. AVithout 
this grace there will be no redemption 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

for ever. How little caufe have fuch 
to rejoyce. 

7. Such have no caufe to rejoyce; for 
whatever they injoy in this life, Death 
will leave them poor and miferable ; 
they muft reap as they fow, they will 
reap corruption. Though they may 
have Large Inheritances here, yet their 
inheritance hereafter will be no other 
than that of rich Dives in Hell, &c. 

8. Laftly, they will have no caufe of 
joy, for they will not be able to ftand 
before the Judge of quick and dead, 
with any comfort or boldnefs : having 
none to plead their cafe, they muft ftand 
trembling ; their hearts full of fear, 
their confcience full of anguifh, and 
muft be fent from the bar of Juftice to 
the prifon of Hell for to be always 
dying and never dead, to gnaw their 
tongues with pain, weep and wail and 
gnafh their teeth ; what caufe then have 



70 Sufferings of the Rebels 

fuch to rejoyce now, who fhall in a few 
days be left in fuch a plight as this ? 

This is the fub fiance of two days ex- 
ercife. Now the 2d and next ufe we 
made of this was, by way of examina- 
tion. If the grace of God fown in the 
heart be fuch great ground of joy and 
gladnefs ; and on the other hand, to be 
destitute of grace is caufe of forrow and 
mourning ; then let us examine our 
heart whether or no we have this grace : 
that fo we may not flatter ourfelves and 
deceive ourfelves with falfe joy and falfe 
hope and falfe peace. We have already 
proved that this grace doth deliver from 
many and great evils, and advance them 
that have it (and none elfe) to great 
priviledges and happinefs. But before 
we can rejoice upon this account, we 
mufl be fure we are brought into fuch 
a ftate. 'Tis propriety is the ground of 
Joy ; what will it advantage us to rejoice 



fentenced by Judge Jeff'eries, 

in other men's grace and happinefs. Al- 
though Barnabas (in my text) was glad 
when he faw the grace of God in the 
people at Antioch, yet you will grant, 
that a greater ground of joy to us when 
we know we have this grace ourfelves. 
The Apoftle's rule is that I would ad- 
vife to [6 Gal. 4], But let every man 
prove his own work, and then /hall he 
have rejoycing in himfelfy and not in ano- 
ther. Now for fome evidences of this 
ftate of grace : That we may be plain 
and clear in it, we fhall a little follow 
the metaphor, which is ufed by our 
Lord [3 John, 3], Except a man he horn 
again ^ he cannot fee the Kingdom of God, 
So then to have this grace is to be new 
born ; to be made a new creature ; to 
be converted and turned from fin and 
Satan to the living God. Now to fol- 
low this metaphor in fome particulars : 
I . A new born child, (that is living,) 



72 Sufferings of the Rebels 

doth fith and fob, is fenfible of fome ail, 
that there is fomething amifs with him ; 
fo a new born Chriftian^ that is born by 
the grace and fpirit of God^ is fenfible 
of fomething amifs, he fees himfelf naked 
and deftitute, fni is a wound in his con- 
vinced confcience : he fees, in fome mea- 
fure, that miferable condition he is in 
by nature. This was one trial of our 
ftate, were we ever convinced of fin. 

2. As the new born child doth fob 
and figh, fo it doth breathe alfo ; fo the 
new born Chriftian doth breathe, he is 
filled with holy longings, and defires to 
be delivered from his finful fiiate and 
condition. He doth breathe after grace 
and holinefs ; and cries out. Who fhall 
deliver me from this body of death } 
\Rom. 7. 24] O wretched man that I 
am^ who Jliall deliver me from the body 
of this death ? [119 Pfal. 8 1 ] My foul 
fainteth for thy Jalvation. Where this 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

Grace of God is, there is a principle of 
life ; and that foul doth breathe the 
long and earneftly defire more grace, 
and faint without farther communica- 
tions of grace, and farther acquaintance 
with God. Now is it fo with us ? 

3. The new born child defires nou- 
rifliment, it turns to the breaft, it defires 
to fuck the breaft : fo here, the new born 
Chrijiian does earneftly defire nourifh- 
ment, and to this end turns to the two 
breafts of the two Teftaments, the milk 
of God's word, that he may grow in 
grace thereby, [i Pet. 2. 2 ver/e'] As 
new born babes defire the fine ere milk of 
the word^ that ye may grow thereby. 
This defire puts them upon fearching 
the Scriptures, fets them a digging and 
a fearching after the comfort and confo- 
lations there to be found, for their far- 
ther growth in grace ; the nature of 
grace is fuch that they think they have 



74 Sufferings of the Rebels 

never enough,, till they are in heaven 
and enjoy the God of all grace. Grace 
is little in proportion at the firft, but is 
ftill growing : 'tis compared to a grain 
of muftard feed, but grows to a Tree : 
'tis compared to leaven, but it fpreads 
and runs through the whole. Now do 
we defire to grow in grace ? Do we 
value true grace above all things in this 
world ? The more we have of grace, 
the more we fhall defire it. 

4. A new born Chrijiian hath all his 
fenfes. They hear, and fee, and feel, 
and tafte, and fmell. i. They hear. 
[10 John, 16 J 27] My JJieep hear my 
voice, and they follow me. They have 
a difcerning ear. [ i o John, 4] And when 
he putteth forth his own fJieep, he goeth 
before them, and the flieep follow him, for 
they know his voice. [5 verfe] And a 
flranger will they not follow, for they 
know not the voice of ft rangers. The 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

Church knew the voice of Chrift. [2 
Canticles, 8] lihe voice of my beloved! 
behold^ he cometh : and Job faith The ear 
trieth words, as the mouth tafteth meat. 
[34 Job, 3 verf ] Well, have we this 
fenfe of tafting, and can we diftinguifh 
between the word of Chrift, that is good 
and wholfome, and errors which tend 
to our deftrudion ? Is the breaft-milk 
of the word fweet to us ? yea, fweeter 
than honey to our mouth, we may try 
by this : wicked men are like the deaf 
adder. 2. They fee, they have the 
feeing eye ; by faith they fee a need of 
Chrift, the excellency and lovelinefs of 
Chrift, the beauty of holinefs, the glory 
of Heaven in fome meafure, and the 
vanity of all earthly things. By faith 
they fee him that is invi fable to a fenfual 
eye, [ 1 3 Matth. 1 6 ver.] Blejfed are your 
eyes for they fee, and your ears for they 
hear. Well, have we this hearing ear ? 



76 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

3. They feel, they feel a wound in their 
confcience by fin, they feel a prick at 
their hearts; \^A5ls 2. 37] Now when 
they heard this ^ they were pricked in their 
hearts^ and /aid unto Peter and the reft 
of the Jpoftles^ Men and brethren^ what 
/hall we do ? 4. They have a fpiritual 
tafte, [i Pet, 1. 3 ver.] Iffo he^ ye have 
tafted that the Lord is gracious^ [6 Heb. 
5] and have tafted of the good word of 
God, and the powers of the world to 
come. They tafte a fweetnefs in the 
good word of God^ and 'tis fweeter than 
honey to them. Is it fo with us ? 5. 
They can fmell ; they fmell the filthy 
and corrupt breath of the wicked. They 
fmell a fweet favour in the precious name 
of Chrift, [Canticl. i . 3] Becaufe of the 
favour of thy good ointment y thy name is 
as ointment poured forth : 'Therefore do 
the virgins love thee. They fmell a 
fweetnefs in the word of Chrift. [4 Can- 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

tic. lo. II.] Now if we can find, that 
we have thefe fenfes in us, we may con- 
clude we are made alive by grace, and 
are not ftill in a dead ftate in fin ; But 
may rejoice and be glad our ftate is 
changed. 

2. As there is life and fenfe in a new 
born child, fo there is warmth. So the 
new born Chriftian hath warm affedtions 
to God and Chrift to holinefs. His 
Religion is not lukewarm ; but love and 
zeal doth put life and adlivity in him, 
it puts him forward in the work of the 
Lord, Grace is not a dead habit ; but 
a principle of life in the foul : though 
at the firft it may be but as a little fpark, 
but it will by degrees increafe into a 
flame. 

3 . This work of grace in the heart 
may be known by the fruits it hath in 
the life. By their fruits ye jhall know 
them. They that receive the grace of 



78 Sufferings of the Rebels 

the Gofpel aright, into good and honeft 
hearts, bring forth fruits fome an hun- 
dred fold : and thefe fruits are i . Fruits 
of piety toward God. 2nd. Charity 
towards men. It hath refpedl to all the 
commands of God, Firft table, duties, 
2nd table, duties. Grace will exert, and 
put forth, and run through our whole 
life and all our adions ; fo that we may 
difcern it. By this alfo is our life full 
of piety and pracftical holinefs. Have 
we refpedl to all the commandments of 
God? Do we labour to difcharge all 
our duties to God and man ^. But be- 
caufe a hypocrite may perform thefe 
duties as to the external part, and yet 
we maybe deceived: Let us examine our 
hearts, and try ourfelves by that infal- 
lible mark which Mr. Baxter lays down 
of fincerity of grace. 

4. Hath the intereft of God and Chriji 
the pre-eminence above all other things 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

in our hearts, fo that if the world and 
all things therein, all the riches and 
honour, all the kingdoms and crowns, 
all the dignity of this life, were fet be- 
fore us, and offered to us ; and on the 
other hand, God and Chrift and Heaven, 
Grace and Glory ; and if, on confidera- 
tion and deliberation, we can choofe 
God and Chrift and Heaven, before all 
the greatnefs and grandeur in this world, 
this is a true fign of grace in fincerity. 
If the whole world were put in one fcale, 
and the intereft of G^^iand Chrift^ Grace 
and Glory, in the other ; and thefe things 
do down weigh all in our value and ef- 
teem ; then this is a good fign of grace, 
and is a great ground of joy and glad- 
nefs. If we are able to deny ourfelves, 
and with Mofes efteem the reproach and 
fufferings of Chrift greater than plea- 
fures and treafures of this world, then 
let us rejoice in the grace of God. If 



8o Sufferings of the Rebels 

we can forfake father and mother, wife 
and children, Houfe and Land and all, 
rather than God and Chrijiy this is a good 
fign of grace in truth. Nothing can 
feparate a truly gracious foul from the 
love of Chrifty neither height nor depths 
life nor deaths things prejent, nor things 
to comey &c. 

The next ufe was of Exhortation : i . 
To fuch as can on good grounds con- 
clude they have this faving grace. 2. 
To thofe that have not. 

I. Such as can difcern this grace in 
their hearts are exhorted to blefs God 
who gave them this grace, and thereby 
delivered them from fuch great miferies, 
and granted to them fuch great privi- 
ledges, mercies, and favours as we have 
in part fhewed. O what caufe have 
fuch to be thankful ! Certainly none in 
the world have fuch caufe to blefs God 
as they. To prefs this, let us fee the 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

example of the people of God of old, 
[i Pet, I. 3] Blejfed he the God and 
Father of our Lord Jefus Chrifl, who 
according to his abundant mercy hath be- 
gotten us (through grace) to a lively hope 
by the rejurre^ion of Jefus Chrift from 
the dead to an Inheritance incorruptible^ 
undefiled, that fadeth not away ; but is 
referved in the heavens for you who are 
kept by the power of God through faith 
unto falvation. See how largely the 
apoftle Paul exprefTeth his thankfulnefs 
on this account, [i Epheftans, 3, and 
on to the 10 ver.] Blejfed be the God 
and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, who 
hath blejfed us with all Jpiritual blejfings 
in heavenly places in Chrift Jefus, &c. 
read it. [i Cor, i. 4] I thank my God 
always on your behalf for the grace of 
God which is given you by Jefus Chrift : 
I'hat in every thing ye are inriched by 
him^ &c. All thofe that know the worth 



M 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

of Grace, and prize it according to its 
worth, muft needs be thankful to God 
the giver. O how thankful holy David 
was : [66 Pfa, 8] O blejs our God, ye 
people ; make the voice of his praije to be 
heard, [96 Pfal. i, 2] Sing unto the 
Lord, hlejs his name ; JJoew forth hisfal- 
V at ion from day to day. Read the whole 
Pfal : [103 Pfa,'\ beginning, Blefs the 
Lord, O my foul : and all that is within 
me J blefs his holy name, &c. and next 3 
verfes he fhews the reafon of all — TVho 
forgave all thine iniquities ; who healeth 
all thy difeafes (all fpiritual maladies) ; 
who redeemeth thy life from deftru5lion ; 
who crowneth thee with loving kind- 
nefs and tender mercies. How many 
times are we called upon to blefs God 
upon this account ; we have plenty 
of examples and precepts for this : if 
ever we would blefs God for any thing, 
let us blefs him for grace. Confider 



fejitenced by Judge Jefferies, 

I . 'tis what God expedls ; he expeds 
the glory of his grace. God was angry 
with good Hezekiahy becaufe he did 
not render according to the benefits re- 
ceived. 

2. Unthankfuhiefs efpecially for great 
mercy is a great and Gi?^-provoking fin : 
it hath much Ingratitude in it. [2 Timo- 
thy ^ 3. 2] This fin is ranked with the 
worft of fins. For men jhall he lovers of 
them/elves y covetous ^ boafters^ proud, hlaj- 
phemerSy dijobedient to parents ^ unthank- 
ful, unholy. And fo he goes on and 
reckons up 1 8 forts of mofl notorious 
fins ; and this fin of Unthankfullnefs he 
places in the midfl. 

God exped:s to have the glory of his 
grace and mercy, in beflowing temporal 
things on us : Whether ye eat, or drink, 
or whatfoever ye do, do all to the glory of 
God: But much more for fpiritual mer- 
cies which are far greater. 2. Such as 



84 Sufferings of the Rebels 

have this grace fhould be exhorted to 
labour, to ftrengthen and increafe this 
grace more and more in themfelves ; to 
grow in grace^and knowledge, and faith, 
and love, and patience, and all grace. 
[2 Pet. 3. 18] But grow in grace y and 
in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
Jefus Chrift. \Efh, 4. 15] Grow up in 
him in all things^ who is the head, even 
Chrift. \Jude 20] But ye ^ beloved, build- 
ing up your/elves on your mofl holy faith. 
G^^doth afford us the means of growth, 
and we muft ufe them, and ufe them 
diligently, and conftantly, and faith- 
fully ; we muft be fucking of the fincere 
milk of the word, and all other ap- 
pointed meanes : if we draw back, God 
will have no pleafure in us. God hath 
appointed us our work, and duty, which 
if we do carefully and conftantly follow, 
he will make farther fupplies to us. I 
might prefs this by many arguments. 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

I. from the confideration of the pro- 
mlfes G^^^hath made. If we hear aright, 
our fouls fliall live. If we pray, afk, 
feek, knock, we fhall fpeed, and have 
the treafure of grace opened to us. [2 
Pet, I. 4.] Thofe that are called by 
grace have exceeding great and precious 
promifes for their incouragement, and 
are thereby made partakers of the divine 
nature ; and that the Apoftle exhorts to 
perfeverance, [5 ver.]giving all diligence^ 
add to your faith ^ ^c. ufe the means, 
labour to grow up in grace. 

2. Argument may be drawn from 
the benefit and advantage of it ; the 
more grace, the more glory ; the more 
grace, the more fweet comfort, even in 
this life. 

3d motive, if welabour toftrengthen 
the grace of God in us, this is the way 
to true honour, this is a high calling, a 
holy calling ; they who^ by patient con- 



86 Sufferings of the Rebels 

tinuance in well doings Jeek for glory and 
honour^ they fliall have eternal life. 

4. The more we labour to ftrengthen 
this grace of God in ourfelves, the better 
we fhal] be able to refift Satan's temp- 
tations, [i John^ 2. 13, 14] / write 
unto you^ young men, becaufe you have 
overcome the wicked one. [14 ver.] / 
write unto you, young men, becaufe ye are 
ftrong, and the word ^/God abide th in 
you, and you have overcome the wicked 
one. Strong grace is able to encounter 
flrong afTauhsj and to bear up under 
great temptations ; but if our ftrength 
be fmall, we fhall fink and faint in the 
day of ad verfity, &c. If we would grap- 
ple with ftrong temptations, we muft 
labour for ftrong faith and other grace. 

5 . The more we ftrengthen this grace 
in ourfelves, the better we fhall be able 
to fufFer affli6lions, and beare the crofs. 
We all know that a weak child cannot 



fentenced by yudge Jefferies. 

bear fo great a burthen as a ftrong man ; 
a weak faith is a finking faith, but a 
ftrong faith can walk upon the fea of dif- 
ficulties. \Mat. 12. 29] How can one 
enter into a ftrong man's houje^ and/poil 
his goods, except he fir ft bind hiin, &c. 

6. The more we labour to ftrengthen 
this grace of God in our felves, the more 
fit we fhall be to perform holy duties, 
to ferve God, and to enjoy communion 
with him. Without this grace of God 
in fome good meafure, we fiiall make 
but fad work in duty. The great Apof- 
tle confefleth that it was by the grace 
of God that he was what he was ; that 
he was fit for any fervice in the church : 
[i 77;;/. i. 14] And the grace of God 
was exceeding abundant with faith and 
love which is in Chrift Jefus. And this 
abundant grace made him fit for his 
work, and duty. If we w^ould be emi- 
nent and excellent in ferving God, we 



88 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

muft get more grace. If grace be weak 
and languifhing, we are dying as to our 
duties, and as to our comforts too. Thefe 
things may ferve as fo many motives to 
ftir us up to labour all we can, to in- 
creafe and grow in grace. 

The 3d and laft exhortation to them 
that have this grace of God in their 
hearts was, that they would rejoyce in 
it, and ferve the Lord with gladnefs, and 
come before his prefence withjoyfulnefs. 
[i Pet. I. 8] Believing ye rejoyce with 
joy un/peakabky and full of glory : God 
loves a chearful ferver, as well as a 
chearful giver, and commands us to re- 
joyce. [i The/s. 5. 16] Rejoyce ever- 
more. Again and again he bids his peo- 
ple to rejoyce ; to live an uncomfortable 
life, is to live below our high calling, 
which is, to be Kings andpriejls to God, 
to offer up, &c. 

But my thoughts of tranfcribing any 



fentenced by yudge yefferies, 89 

farther would be ufelefs to others where 
we have much better performances, and 
fhewbread was lawful only in cafe of 
neceffity ; I broke off, only remembering 
that for my own ufe ; ranging the fub- 
jeds then treated on. 

Obferved, that after perfons or places 
have received the Gofpel grace, 'tis their 
duty with full purpcfe of heart, to per- 
fevere in it, from the laft words, cleave 
unto the Lord. Obferved, that union 
with the Lord Jefus Chrift, is of abfo- 
lute neceffity. The wild vine, and crab 
tree, mufl be graffed before they can 
bring forth good fruit, &c. without union, 
there's no communion with Chrift. 

The next, [5 Eph. 16] Redee?ning the 
time, becaufe the days are evil. Obferved, 
that 'tis the duty of all profefling Chrif- 
tianity, to redeem fit times for the per- 
formance of all Chriftian duties. Ano- 
ther fubjedl, [^Colojs. 4. 2] Continue in 



9^ Sufferings of the Rebels 

-prayer y and watch in the fame with 
thanksgiving ; which I proved was the 
indifpenfable duty of every Chriftian, by 
many reafons. 

April J, 1687. [i Tim. 15] ms 
is a faithful faying, and worthy of all 
acceptation, that Chrift Jefus came into 
the world to Jave fmners. Obferved, 
that the do6lrine of the Gofpel is a doc- 
trine of moft tranfcendent worth, and 
excellency; proved, i. It's a heavenly 
Dodlrine, it is from Heaven. 2. Chrifl 
Jefus, and fuch as were infpired by 
the Holy Ghoft, were publifhers of it. 

3. It was confirmed by many miracles. 

4. From the matter contained in it. 5. 
From the efFedls of it on the hearts of 
thofe that receive it aright, which were, 
I. Convidlion, 2. Illumination, 3. Vi- 
vification, 4. Repentance, 5. Faith and 
Regeneration, 6. Juftification, 7. Sanc- 
tification, and then the application. 



fentenced by Judge Jeff^ 



enes. 



Next Text, [ 1 6 A^s^ 1 4] JVhoJe heart 
the Lord opened &c. Obferved, that 
God^ by his Spirit, is the Author, and 
Worker, and the efficient caufe of con- 
verfion, wherever 'tis wrought : i . 'tis 
notin the power of man; 2. nolefsthan 
the power of God is fufficient to work 
grace in man. Though God by his 
fpirit is the author, and efficient caufe 
and worker of grace in the heart, yet 
he ufually doth it by means. 

June 5, 1687. [From FJ. 37. 34] 

Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and 

he Jhall exalt thee to inherit the land : 

V/hen the wicked are cut off, thou /halt 

fee it, I firfl: explained the terms : 

I . To waite on the Lord, import 6 
things, I. to depend on, 2. to flay and 
look for, 3. to bring near [^Mark 3. 9], 
4. deflre to enjoy future good \^Rom. 8. 
19, 25], 5. waiting imports holy filence 
[Job 32], 6. earneft defire. 



92 Sufferings of the Rebels 

2. What's meant by keeping his way ; 
I. to hold faft, 2. to remember, 3. to 
obferve and hope. [119 Pf. 4.] 

3. What's meant by Land in this 
place, I. for the place where men dwell 
[Gen. 12. 1, 7], 2. for the inhabitants 
of the land. 

4. The whole earth, but I conceive 
the meaning here is, thou fhalt have 
a quiet habitation in thine own land ; 
though thou art driven out by the ene- 
my, yet thou fhalt return, and have a 
quiet habitation in thine own land. Thus 
[37 ^/' ^9] ^^^^ righteous Jliall inherit 
the land ; fo [3 verf.] truft in the Lord 
and do good ; Jo /halt thou dwell in the 
land, and verily thou flialt he fed. When 
the wicked enemies of God's people are 
cut off, either from being a people, or 
from the power whereby they hurt God's 
people, I think it imports fpeedily to be 
done, thou fhalt fee it in thy time. In 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

the words a double duty and a double 
promife, wait on the Lord with patience, 
hope, and faith, in the way of his Pro- 
vidences, and keep in the way of his 
Precepts. Obferved, that patiently to 
wait on the Lord in the way of his pro- 
vidences, is the duty of every Chrijiian. 
From the latter part of the words, that 
the beft way and fpeedieil courfe, for 
the advancement of God's people, and 
the ruin of their enemies, is to keep clofe 
to God's ways. 

Thus, with divers other fubjeds, I 
paft 2 years, and then good old Mr. 
Speer affifted us in the Gofpel of Chriji 
a little while, and fell afleep by death, 
and left us to proceed as before. 

As to my temporals, it follows : But 
before one year was ended a defign was 
laid to turn me from my place, in the 
family, as overfeer, to my former trade 
as a Carpenter, of which there was much 



94 Sufferings of the Rebels 

need in our Plantation and others. And 
to this end an overfeer was put upon 
the Plantation ; a man he was that had 
not the leaft favour of Religion^ or the 
concerns of his own foul or others. And 
Rum and Punch foon got the afcendant; 
and the yoke of family duty was too 
heavy for them to bear. However I 
kept my chamber to my felf, and there 
injoyed much peace and comfort in pri- 
vate meditation, and fecret prayer when 
I had opportunity for it; the reft of my 
time being imployed about my carpen- 
ter's Trade, fometimes in our own Plan- 
tation, and fometimes hired out to others. 
And to worke with negroes I muft fub- 
mit, when the reft of our white men had 
no imploy, but to lye in the Plantation, 
for little fervice but to eat and drink 
and fpend the time in Idlenefs. And 
having continued in this place and fta- 
tion a confiderable time, and having a 



ftntenced by Judge yefferies. 

mind with one of my fellow fufferers to 
go to Port Royal to vifit fome friends 
and fellow fuiFerers, prefently a Letter 
was fent to our Mafter at Fort Royally 
as If we had deferted in rebellion, at 
which we had a reprimand, and friends 
forbid to entertain us : fo we returned 
home to exercife faith and patience un- 
der new trials. 

So that I may fay with David [i 19 
Pfal. 92] Unlefs thy law had been my 
delight Sy I had then peri/hed in mine af- 
fliction. When I have found little de- 
pendance on the favour of men in the 
greateft need, I have then found the fa- 
vour from God fupplying all. Now 
[37 ^J-X w^s ^^^ before me in fuch a 
light as was a great ftay and comfort, 
efpecially 34 Verf. Wait on the Lord 
and keep his way^ and he JJiall exalt thee 
to inherit the land ; when the wicked 
are cut off thou Jlialt fee it : a double 



96 Sufferings of the Rebels 

precept enjoyned, and a double promife 
annexed. Obferved, that to wait on the 
Lord in the way of his providences, be 
they never fo harfh, and to keep in the 
way of his precepts patiently perfevering 
therein, is the duty and difpoiition of 
every fincere Chriftian, From the pro- 
mife in the latter part, obferved, that 
the beft way and fpeedieft courfe for the 
advancement of God's people, and the 
deftrudion and ruin of their enemies, 
is to keep clofe to God's ways, in doing 
or fuffering, in keeping in the way of 
his precepts, and our duty, and waiting 
patiently on him. in the way of his pro- 
vidences ; which was the fubjedt of my 
meditation and difcourfe many weekes ; 
and much quieted our minds, and had 
much of the prefence of God in our 
Lord's day Meetings, and great fupport 
under our afflic5lions. When we had 
thus paft about two years of our fervi- 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

tude, hearing that one Mr. Crow was 
come ^Yova England to Port Royal ^ who's 
highly extol'd ; and their former non- 
conforming Minifters were laid afide, 
and difcouragedj and neglected ; and 
one of them, named Mr. Bridges, had 
quitted the Hand and gone to Provi- 
dence, a little Hand at fome diftance from 
us. I went to my Chriftian friend Mr. 
Gar brand, (at whofe houfe we ufually 
kept our Sabbath,) and acquainted him 
with it, and lamented that fuch a rich 
Hand would not entertain and encourage 
two fuch good Minifters, where there 
was fo much need of teaching : I told 
him I did fear it might bring fome judg- 
ment upon the Hand, and we concluded 
to fend for Mr. Robert Speere from Port 
Royal up to us ; which we did, and he 
willingly imbraced our invitation, and 
we both rode and met him about twenty 
mile of his way, and received him with 



98 Sufferings of the Rebels 

joy, and conduced him to Mr. Gar- 
brand's houfe for his quarters : where 
we endeavoured to divert him from his 
former difcouragement ; and Mr. Gar- 
brand concluded with me that we would 
write to London where four great men 
had Plantations in our neighbourhood, 
Mr. Nicholas Grigson, and Mr. IVool- 
mer^ owners of Mr. Garbrand's Planta- 
tion, Qo\qx\!^ Samuel Bach, owner of that 
where I was, and Captain Hud/on, owner 
of another near to us, who were all of 
them nonconformifts, who all fubfcribed 
10/. each towards our Minifler, main- 
tained yearly, and ordered their feveral 
correfpondents 2it Port Roy alto pay him. 
But his fpirits were fo broken that he 
fell into a deep confumption, that no- 
thing we could do for him would avail 
to reftore him. He preached among us 
while his ftrength would permit ; but 
defired my affiftance in prayer, and re- 



fentenced by Judge Jeffertes. 

peating in the after noon, and To con- 
tinued, about a year and half died of a 
confumption. 

And now, left again to profecute and 
pradlife our former fubjedl of waiting on 
the Lord in the way of his providences, 
and keeping in the way of his precepts. 

And how this double duty was prac- 
tifed among us God only doth know ; 
but that the promifes annexed were in a 
fhort time fulfilled, was moft evident ; 
and we, with many others, did fee when 
our wicked Perfecutors were cut off from 
their tyrannical power and popifh de- 
figns ; fo that in a little time, from the 
Cedars in our Lebanon^ to the fhrubs of 
the Valley, even all that flood in our 
way were cut off, and a way made, and 
an invitation fent us to return, and to 
our owne land ; when all the power of 
our enemies was vanifhed like fmoke, 
and nothing left but a {linking favour. 



lOO 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

We muft fay that 'tis good that a man 
jhould both hope and quietly wait for the 
Jalvation of the Lord. For the Lord is 
good unto them that wait for him^ to the 
Joul that Je eke th him. [Lamentations, 3. 
25, 26.] 

Neverthelefs, we thought it not amifs 
to take the firft opportunity, and to ufe the 
beft means we could to get our freedom 
and inlargement. When we had ferved 
full four years, (the time for which we 
were fold) divers of us in thofe parts 
went to Port Royal and carried evidence 
to a Jufbice of Peace, that we were fold 
for no longer time of fervitude. But 
our fuit was rejeded, and we were fent 
to our former fervice ; tho' fome had 
been let go free, that were under our 
circumftances, they were too bad fer- 
vants to be kept, and we too ferviceable 
to be freed. 

And now the thoughts of ten years' 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, i o i 

fervitude being a law made particularly 
for us by King James's order, proved 
the death of fome in other parts of the 
Hand, and to us feemed very hard. And 
now our faith, and patience, in waiting 
on God in the way of his providence, 
and our duty, was put to a farther trial ; 
but it was obferved that very night while 
we were at Port Royal a blazing comet 
appeared, at which there was much ga- 
zing, which continued 14 nights, and 
then vanifhed, which was in November 
1689. 

A warning-peece of a dreadful and 
defolating judgment which followed, 
Jan. 7, 1692, whereby 1500 perfons 
perifhed at Po7^t Royal, and almoft the 
whole town funk by an Earthquake ; 
and about fifty Perfons in other places, 
and moft of the Buildings in the Hand 
thrown down. In a Letter, from my 
dear friend Mr. Harkes Garhrand, is 



I02 Sufferings of the Rebels 

thus expreft, That on the day that the 
Earthquake was, the earth moved for 
fome little fpace, like the waves of a 
calm but rolling fea ; and afterward there 
was fome fmall Shaking every day till 
July I : And in 14 and 28 of June, were 
4 or 5 great earthquakes, but not like 
the firft which was on June 7 ; and that 
they had a murmuring noife ftill to that 
time, as if the earth groned. And about 
that time the French, (taking the advan- 
tage of the Earthquake,) broke into the 
Hand, and did much fpoil, (efpecially in 
the parts where I lived,) by destroying 
the Plantations, and carrying away the 
Negroes and what plunder they could 
get. If we may make a judgment of 
God's Difpenfations from men's adlions, 
we may conclude that the Sins of Pro- 
feflbrs had no fmall hand in bringing 
down thefe Judgments upon this place ; 
if we confider that God's anger burneth 



fe?2tenced by Judge Jefferies, 

hotteft neareft the Altar, and that we 
may read perfons' fins by their punifh- 
ments, then the covetous pradlifes of 
profeflbrs, not only towards their poor 
captivated Brethren, whofe Sufferings 
were for the caufe they profefl to own, 
but their ungrateful and uncharitable 
dealings with two good Minlflers, who, 
at their requeil and at their call, were pre- 
vailed with to leave their native Coun- 
trey. Friends and Relations, to ferve 
them in the Gofpel of Chrifi : and, after 
all, at the coming of another Minifler, 
(who fled from King James's perfecu- 
tion) the two former mufl be defpifed, 
laid afide, neglecfted as ufelefs vefTels in 
whom they had no pleafure : which 
proved very fatal to both of them. Mr. 
Bridges went to a fmall Hand called Pro- 
vidence, where he and his Family having 
fpent the fmall fubftance they carried, 
were reduced to great flraits ; (as I was 



I 04 Sufferings of the Rebels 



informed by a Sloop-M after, that fpoke 
with him there ;) that Potatoes and fait 
was their very good fare. And the other 
Minifter, Mr. Robert Speere,?ihQ,r ?i^ort 
continuance with us, went to Port Royal 
there to fhew the effedt of their unkind- 
nefs by a fkeleton, and leaving his bones 
with them. In 1686-7 the rich Town 
of Port Royal being over ftocked with 
Minifters, in 1689 their new Incumbent 
Minifter left them without any one at 
all, but a very young man, that fled from 
Ireland when King James invaded them, 
for fear of a maftacre, who had got a 
fmack of the Latin tongue ; him they 
fet up for their Minifter, who was far 
inferiour to either of thofe whom they 
had made away, and yet he had got 
the art of a mercenary, to pleafe his pa- 
trons, of which I with many of my fuf- 
fering Brethren had a fufficient proof, 
at the time when we were at Port Royal 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

to fue for our Liberty. In November 
1689, we heard a Ledture Sermon, cal- 
culated on purpofe for us, though not 
to comfort us under our afflidion and 
opprefTion, but rather to aggravate our 
Crimes that brought us under it, and 
leflening our fufferings in regard of the 
foulnefs of our fa6ls for which we- fuf- 
fered. His text was 3 Lament, 3 9 verfe : 
Wherefore doth a living man complain^ 
a man for the punifhment of his Jin s ? If 
this man had had the wit or grace of a 
Chriftian Minifler, he might have dif- 
tinguifhed between murmuring againft 
God^ and complaining to, and againft 
the tyranny and opprelTion of men. 
Who had more bitter complaints than 
Jeremiah ? and the Children of Ifrael 
under their Tafk-mxafters in Egypt? and 
yet was not imputed to them as fin : 
which was the drift and fcope of his dif- 
courfe, which tended tojuftifieourTafk- 



io6 Sufferings of the Rebels 

mafters, and harden their hearts againft 
us. Whereas, if he had had wifdom 
and grace, it had been more pleanng to 
God^ profitable to our Tafk-mafters, and 
comfortable to us under our afflidion. 
I . More pleafing to God if he had read 
and could have expounded the Meflage 
which he fent by his Prophet Obadiah : 
fhewing them their pride, cruelty, and 
wrong, done by E/au to his brother Ja- 
coh : and what a curfed thing 'tis to fepa- 
rate men from their wives and children, 
and to exadl, and make a gain to them- 
felves of that labour that fhould have 
relieved them ; which was making wi- 
dows, and devouring widows' houfes, 
and eating their children's bread, and 
building their own houfes without mo- 
ney. And if he had fet before them 
thofe woes denounced againft fuch op- 
prefTion as we find in Hal?, 2. 9 to 13 
ver. and that of James 5 at the begin- 



fentenced by Judge Jeffertes. 



ning, no doubt it v/ould have been 
more pleafing to God^ and if well im- 
proved by repentance and reformation, 
it might have been profitable to our 
Tafk-mafters by preventing their de- 
flrudion, which fpeedily followed : and 
this would have been more comfortable 
to us, our wives and children : but they 
that would fhew no mercy found as lit- 
tle, for the earth fwallowed up them, 
and their wealth got by fraud and op- 
prefTion altogether. 

And now having no redrefs, remedy, 
or hope, from Mailers, Magiftrates, nor 
Minifters, we muft return to our fervice 
loaded with greater weight. 

But when I came home, our hea- 
thenifh overfeer was removed by death, 
which gave a little more liberty to feek 
for comfort where it was to be found. 
All human hopes of freedom from our 
bondage being cut off, it pleafed God to 



io8 Sufferings of the Rebels 

dired me to a Scripture, which gave us 
great releif and comfort. \Ifaiah 49. 24, 
25, 26 verfes.] The 24th is a negative 
Queftion carrying a ftrong affirmative, 
put by the mighty, terrible enemies. 
Shall the -prey he taken from the mighty^ 
or the lawful Captive delivered ? 'tis the 
captivity of the Juft in the margent. 
The anfwer of God by his Prophet is 
25 th : But thus faith the Lord, Even the 
captives of the mighty fhall he taken away y 
and the prey of the terrible fhall be de- 
livered. Here is a gracious and pofitive 
Anfwer to the proud Queftion of the 
great and terrible Monarch of Babylon ^ 
who had the Children of IJrael in bon- 
dage, and refolved to keep them as his 
prey and lawful captives, that he had 
taken by his mighty power, and who 
fhall deliver them out of my hands ? 
Such a proud Queftion we find \Exo- 
dus 5.2] Who is the Lord, that Ifhould 



fentenced by Judge Jeffertes. 

obey his voice ^ to let IJrael go ? I will 
not let IJrael go. Who fhall take them 
out of my hands ? The worm Jacob is 
not ftrong enough to contend with me, 
a mighty Monarch ; by whom or how 
fhall he be delivered ? The Anfwer is 
given by God in the latter part of 25 th 
ver. / will contend with him that con- 
tendeth with thee^ and willjave thy chil- 
dren. Though the poor captives are 
in the hands, and under the power of 
the greateft monarchs in the world, as 
Egypt and Babylon ; yet, in God's time, 
he did contend with them both, to their 
utter ruin, and delivered his People, 
with a great falvation. If this great 
God will contend for his People's deli- 
verance, who can contend againft him ? 
[7/*. 10. 24, 25. Jer. 5. 27, 28.] The 
obfervation iniifted upon was this, that 
tho' the enemies of God and his people 
be mighty terrible ones, yet the faithful 



1 1 o Sufferings of the Rebels 

God hath promifed that they fhall be de- 
Hvered out of their hands : 'The Cap- 
tivity of the mighty Jhall he taken away, 
and the prey of the terrible fhall be de- 
livered. 

The reafons were of three forts, i. 
with refped to God himfelf, 2 . with re- 
ference to his People, 3. with reference 
to the enemies of God and his People. 
I. With refped: to God himfelf : The 
I ft, becaufe God is ingaged by Promife, 
They fhall be, taken away, \\\^y fliall be 
delivered. There are many fuch pro- 
mifes in the Scripture made both to the 
Church in general, and to particular 
parts ; and all the promifes in the book 
of God are written for the comfort of his 
People, and they belong to them, and 
to none elfe. \Rom. 9. 4.] Speaking of 
the true Ifrael, that to them did belong 
the adoption, and the glory, and the 
covenants, and the giving of the Law, 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

and the fervice of God, and the promifes. 
And there are promifes refpedling all 
ftates and conditions of life, that they 
are in or can be brought into by Satan, 
or his inftruments ; are they in the fire, 

1 will be with thee. Read 41 Ifaiah, 
from 8 ver. to the iot\\, where we have 
many promifes refpe6ting divers circum- 
ftances of life. In expounding thefe 
promifes we had great comfort and fa- 
tisfadtion, as alfo in If. 51. 1 1 , to the 
end. So that it is clear that God is in- 
gaged by promife to fave and deliver his 
people. 2d Reafon was, becaufe God 
that had promifed is faithful, he will 
make good his promifes. [Pf, 89. 32, 
22' H^^' 10.23. Rom, 19. 1 1. I Titus 1. 

2 Tim. 1. 13.] If we believe or not 
yet he ahideth faithful, he cannot deny 
himfelf. The 3rd reafon; Becaufe G^<^ 
is able to deliver his people, therefore 
according to his promife and faithfulnefs 



I 12 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

he will deliver his people ; tho' their 
enemies be never fo mighty and terri- 
ble: he is Almighty, and a moft terrible 
God^ and confuming fire to his and his 
people's enemies. Who ever contended 
with him and profpered ? Before him 
all the nations of the earth are but as a 
drop of a bucket, or the fmall duft on 
the ballance : Before him the mountains 
quake, and the hills melt like wax. Of 
this faith were the 3 children ; upon 
which they fo firmly relied that they 
adventured the fiery furnace. [3 Dan. 
17] The God whom we Jerve^ is able to 
deliver us^ and he will deliver us out of 
thy hands. 4. God will have his people 
delivered, becaufe his honour, and glo- 
rious name are concerned in it. Did 
not God appear for his people the ene- 
mies would vaunt themfelves ; Matth. 
27. 43, read from 3 9 to 44ver. Exodus 
^.2. A God is zealous of his great 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

name \Ezek, 20. 9] ; and this argument 
Mojes made ufe of to prevail with God 
for IfraeJ^ when he threatened them 
for their fins. \Num. 14. 11, &c.] See 
Joftiua^ 7. 9, What wilt thou do unto 
thy great name^ &c. ? 
^ 5 . God will have his people delivered 
becaufe all his glorious attributes are 
concerned in it. i. G^/i'j omnipotence, 
he is able to deliver, he hath a mighty 
arm. \If. 50. a, 3.] Is my handjhortned 
at ally that I cannot redeem ? or have I 
no power to deliver ? Behold^ at my re- 
buke I dry up the Jea. \Jer, 50. 3, 34.] 
The Children o^ Ifrael, and the Children 
of Judah were opprefied together, and 
all that took them captives held them 
faft, they refufed to let them go. ^heir 
Redeemer is ftrong^ the Lord of Hofts 
is his name^ he /hall throughly plead 
their caufe. 2. As the power, fo the 
wifdom of God is concerned in it. He 



114 Sufferings of the Rebels 

knoweth how to deliver his people [2 
Pet. 1. 9], and to referve the wicked to 
be punifhed. Infinite wifdom is never 
to feek for ways and means to fave and 
deliver his people. 3. The love and 
pity of God towards his fufFering people 
is ingaged to deliver them. [P/*. 103. 
13] Like as a Father pitieth his Chil- 
dren^ Jo the Lord pitieth them that fear 
him. He hath fo manifefled his love to 
his people, as to give his only begotten 
Son to die for them. 4. The Juftice 
of God is concerned for them. [2 Thejs, 
I chap. 6,. 7, 8] 'TVj a righteous thing 
with God, to recompenje tribulation to 
them that trouble you, and to you who 
are troubled y reft, 5. The mercy of 
God is concerned for his people's deli- 
verance. See what glorious eiFeds the 
mercy of God wrought for his people. 
[136 PJ, from 10 ver. to the end.] All 
the attributes of God are concerned for 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

the deliverance of his people^ and there- 
fore he will deliver his people. 6th Rea- 
fon, God will have his people delivered 
and faved, becaufe he will not fruftrate 
their hope and expedtation, they that 
truft in the Lord fhall never be afhamed : 
and in Jer, 29. lo. They fliall have 
an expedted end of their captivity. \PJ. 
22. 5. Ifa. 57. 13.] 

2. Some reafonsrefpeding the Church 
of God. I . Becaufe they are his own 
people in a more peculiar manner than 
any other people in the world. He calls 
them a chofen generation, a royal prieft- 
hood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. 
\Exodu5\(^, 5. I Fet. 2. 9. 2 Titus^ 14. 
'Deu. 26. 18.] He hath anointed them 
to be his people. [135 iy. 4] T^he Lord 
hath chofen Jacob to him/elf , they are a 
purchafed people, bought with the price 
of blood : and becaufe it hath pleafed 
the Lord to make them his people, he 



ii6 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

will have them delivered. 2. Becaufe 
he will have a Church in the world while 
it ftandeth, which would not be if their 
enemies could prevent it. The Church 
is built upon a rock that cannot be 
moved. The Gates of Hell can never 
prevail againft them. \Zech, 12. 3] / 
will make Jerujalem a hurdenfome ftone 
for all -people : all that burden themjelves 
with it /hall be cut in peeceSy though 
all the powers of the earth be gathered 
together againfi it. The great Captain 
and Lord of the Church, is King of 
kings, and Lord of lords. Conqueror 
of men and devils, hath promifed to be 
with them to the end of the world. 

3. God will deliver in due time; be- 
caufe he will not have them over driven 
or tempted above what they are able to 
bear. They fhall not be loft in the dark 
day of afflidlion and trouble. Read that 
promife,£2;^/^.34.from iithtothe 17th 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

ver. They fhall not be loft, [i Cor, 

TO. 13. iy. 125.3] ne rod of the wicked 

/hall not reft upon the lot of the righteous. 

4. God will have his people faved and 
delivered from their enemies, that they 
may the more admire and adore the 
name of the Lord, for their deliverance, 
for exerting his good mercy and truth 
and faithfulnefs. Then they will be 
able to fay, all the ways of the Lord are 
mercy and truth, Pf. 25. 10, read 126 
Pfa. and 1 24 Pfa, Their very enemies 
have been forced to confefs and give 
glory to God upon this account. [Dan, 
3. 28, 29, 30. and Ban, 6. from 24 to 
the end.] 

5. G^i will deliver his people to give 
them experience of his power and good- 
nefs : that they may truft in him for 
future deliverances, whatever trials they 
may meet with. [2 Cor, 1, 10.] We 
gave 3 reafons with refpedt to the ene- 



1 1 8 Sufferings of the "Rebels 

mies. I. God will deliver his people 
out of their hands, that they may know 
themfelves to be but men. The great 
men of this world are apt to think they 
are Gods and Lords of the world. \FJ. 
66. 7] God ruleth by his fower for ever^ 
his eyes behold the nations : let not the 
rebellious exalt themfelves. [Pf. 82. 6, 
7,8] If aid J ye are Gods^ but ye fhall die 
like meny and fall like one of the 'princes. 
2. He will deliver his people, to let 
their rulers to know the world is not to 
be ruled by their will, and at their plea- 
fure : 'tis not who they will, fhall reign 
over his people ; not what they will, 
fhall be done with them. \_'Prov. 8. 15, 
16] By me Kings reign ^ by me princes 
rule J and nobles, even all the Judges of 
the earth. He poureth contempt upon 
Princes [Job 12. 21], putteth down, 
and fetteth up Kings, [iy. 75.7.] He 
reproveth Kings for their fakes, faying. 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 119 

Do my people no harm. \FJ. 105. i j, 
14. 7/! 43. 3.] 3. G^/iwill deliver his 
people from under the power of their 
enemies, that his Juftice may appear 
the more evident in their deftru6lion. 
[2 Thejs, I. 6] Seeing it is a righteous 
thing with God, to recompenje tribulation 
to them that trouble you. [Jer. 25, 12, 
13, 14. iy. 109. 16. I^J. 9. 12.] When 
he maketh Inquifition for blood, he for- 
getteth not the cry of the humble, [ Jude, 
ver. 14, 15.] G(?^will bejuftinrecom- 
penfing for all the hard fpeeches and 
ungodly deeds done againfl him, in abu- 
fing his people. G^^ will bejuft, and 
make his juftice appear, in his proceed- 
ings among men. 

We fee 'tis a reafonable thing to be- 
lieve that God will deliver his people : 
but when it may be objecfled, we have 
waited a great while for deliverance as 
they. 5 .//*. 7, JVe have looked for Judg- 



I20 Sufferings of the Rebels 

ment, but behold opprejjion ; for Right eouj- 
nefs^ but behold a cry. The anfwer was 

1 . He will deliver in his own let and 
appointed time. God doth always fet 
bounds and limits to the power of his 
enemies ; he limited the Jewijh captivity 
in Egypt to 400 years, and the Babylo- 
nijh to 70 years ; and at the time ap- 
pointed he did deliver them, tho' it was 
fo unlikely to them, that when they 
heard of it, they were like them that 
dream : But as to the precife time, it is 
not fit we fhould know, God will have 
us wait to try our faith and patience. 

2. The moft likely time of deliver- 
ance is, when their wicked enemies have 
filled up the meafure of their fins, and 
are ripe for ruin. The Iniquity of the 
Amorites muft be full, before the Jews 
muft go into Canaan. \_Gen. I5.ver. 16.] 

3. God will deliver his People when 
he fees them fit for fuch a mercy : when 



fentenced by Judge yeff'eries. 



God hath obtained the end for which he 
fujfFered them to be afflidled. God's rod 
on his People hath a voice [Mkah 6. 
9], and when they fo hear the rod, and 
who hath appointed it ; or wherefore it 
is appointed, as to be throughly hum- 
bled, and reformed, then he will hear 
them and treat with them as he did with 
his Ephraim, read Jer. 31. 18 to 21, 
after Epbraim was returned by repen- 
tance, and thorough humiliation. Then 
he was a dear Son^ a plea/ant child, I do 
erneftly remember him fiill, therefore my 
bowels are troubled for him ; Iwillfurely 
have mercy upon him^ faith the Lord. 
Manajfehy a very great finner,,when he 
was in captivity, and laid in fetters for 
his rebellion againft God ; and when he 
was in affliction, he befought the Lord 
his Gody and humbled himfelf gready 
before the Lord : he was intreated, and 
brought him again to Jerufalem into 



1 2 2 Sufferings of the Rebels 

his Kingdom. [2 Chron, 22- ^^ 1^5 

13-]. 

Till God's People under affli6lion do 

humble themfelves^ repent, and reform, 
they are not fit for mercy and deliver- 
ance. Therefore, if we would expedl 
deliverance, let us fet upon this duty 
with all our might. Humiliation, Pe- 
tition, and Reformation, is our duty ; 
necefTary on our part in order to falva- 
tion, whether temporal or fpiritual fal- 
vation. And if it be performed by us 
in truth and fmcerity, God will doubt- 
lefs accomplifh it. [i Kings ^ 8. 47.] 
Read that full promife to this purpofe, 
[2 Chron. 7.14.] But here's an objec- 
tion : Unbelief may objed, how can 
this be : our enemies are the chief, we 
were condemned to death by the magif- 
trates, and to banifhment; and to dam- 
nation by the miniftry, who jfigned the 
bills of our execution; and here we are 



fentenced by Judge yefferies, 

held by a law made on purpofe to hold 
us fail in fervitude for lo years ; and if 
we fhould outlive that time, we may 
not return without a quietus, which is 
very unlikely will be granted. 

Anjwer, Tho' our enemies are the 
great men of the Earth, yet they are but 
men : and there is a greater than the 
greateft who regardeth \_Eccles, 5. 8], 
and there be higher than they. \Joh 
1^1^, 12] God is greater than man^ men 
are but finite, God is infinite : their 
hearts, their power, their breath and 
life are in his hands. He difpofeth of 
Kings, kingdoms, and nations, for he is 
King of kings. Lord of lords, the chief 
proprietour of the whole world. If he 
will work, who can let it } He can 
change hearts, times, and laws. \T)an. 
2. 20] Daniel blefleth God^ for wijdom 
and might are his ; and he changeth the 
times and the JeafonSy he removeth kings 



124 Sufferings of the Rehels 

and Jetteth up kings. He can make a 
way through the Sea^ for his ranfomed 
to pafs. \_Exod, 14 and Joflma 3. Ifa. 
43. 16.] Which maketh a way in thejea^ 
and a path in the mighty waters. Let 
us have a care of the foolifh iin of Un- 
belief, in queftioning what God can do 
for us, leaft he deal with us as he did 
with the children of Ifrael who tempted 
God in their hearts. ]_PJ, 78. 18, 19] 
They /pake againft God, they Jaid^ Can 
God furnijli a table in the wildernejs P 
at this God was wrath. [2 1 and 30, 3 1 
ver. Num. 11. ^2-] 'Tis a very pro- 
voking, defl:ru(5live fin to queftion what 
God can do for our deliverance : when 
he hath told us, the prey fhall be taken 
from the mighty and terrible enemies, 
and how he will do it by contending 
with them. Who ever did contend with 
the Ahnighty and profper ? And while 
we were thus endeavouring toftrengthen 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

our Faith, and Hope, and Patience in 
waiting upon God in the way of our 
duty ; God was working out our de- 
liverance in a wonderful manner by 
changing times and things, yea Kings 
and Laws. 

Our terrible Enemy was forced to fly 
like Cain when purfued by the cry of 
his Brother's blood ; and could find no 
reft or refuge in any of his dominions, 
but he fled to the Romi/h for relief and 
refuge : but he found that all their 
powers could not heal his wounded con- 
fcience, nor recover his kingdoms. For 
the Almighty contended with him, and 
all that contended for him were afliamed 
and confounded, in all their plots, poli- 
cies, prayers, and force. In IJaiah 7. 
18. God can hifs for a flie beyond the 
river, and for a bee, to overthrow king- 
doms. God did call for the Prince of 
Orange^, who with a fmall power, having 



126 Sufferings of the Rebels 

a CommifTion from above, to overthrow 
the mighty and terrible one that had 
made a prey of many. 

1 Kings ^ 9 chap. 1 1 verf. and on, we 
read how God in juftice cut off the Houfe 
of Ahah for his fins, by his own fervants 
and chief Captains, by whom his whole 
Family and poflerity were cut off. [2 
Kings ^ 9? 10 chaps.] If a parallel be 
made, the fins and punifiiments would 
be found much alike ; treachery, idola- 
try, murder, bloodfiied, perjury, &c. 
which ended in a total Revolution. 
Thus we fee if God will contend with 
the mountains, they mufl: fall. And 
that the mercy, power, and juftice of 
God might appear the more vifibly to 
all men, he did this mighty work, not 
by battle^ nor by bow, nor by /wordy by 
horjesy nor by horjemen^ but by the Lord 
our God according to Hojea 1.7. This 
was done by the mighty operation of 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

his fplrit upon the hearts of the Nation 

in general, to afl quite reverfe to what 

they did but a httle before. Many that 

had preached up non-refiftance, and paf- 

five obedience, and damnation to thofe 

that did refifl ; and figned the bills of 

execution, for the great crime of oppo- 

fing Popery and flavery, and to preferve 

our Bibles, our felves and families from 

the fire ; thefe very men were become of 

quite another mind according to that. 

[^Zech, 4. 6, 7] This is the word of the 

Lord unto Zerubbabel, faying^ Not by 

might J (or army, as 'tis in the margent), 

nor by power J but by my fpirit ^ faith the 

Lord of Hoflsy Who art thou^ O great 

mountain ? even thoufhalt become a plain. 

When God will raife up faviours, the 

mountains of oppofition muft fall. The 

Magiftrates, as well as the Miniflers, 

that had been very officious in taking 

up, imprifoning, and condemning us, 



128 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

were convinced of their error, that they 
were glad of a faviour. This mighty 
change of Men's hearts was a mighty 
Work of the Almighty God, to whom 
be glory, honour, dominion, and power 
for ever. 

When we that were in captivity heard 
of this glorious Revolution, that the 
captive Leader was gone into captivity, 
and King William fettled in the throne 
of the kingdom. Though we were but 
like them that dream, yet was our mouth 
filled with laughter, and our tongue with 
finging : then /aid we among the heathen, 
The Lord hath done great things, 'The 
Lord hath done great things for us: 
whereof we are glad: Which one of our 
tajfk-mafters refented as a new rebellion, 
and told us he was forry with all his 
heart at this tidings ; but I told him I 
was glad with all my heart : whethei: 
their fear, or our hopes of freedom, was 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

greateft I know not. But it was gene- 
rally concluded that we fliould have our 
Freedom, when a new Governour did 
come, for whom we waited with patience 
and hope until May 1690. The laft 
day of May, the Governour Earl of In- 
ciqueen arrived at Port Royal : a few 
days after, I defired one of our Men to 
ride down to hear how it was like to go 
with us ; he foon returned with an ac- 
count that two of our Men had been 
with the Governour to defire their free- 
dom, and that the faid Governour had 
them publickly whipt, and put in prifon 
all night, and fent to their fervice next 
morning : at which tidings our hopes 
were daflied ; but when I had confidered 
the matter, that there might be fome 
mifbehaviour, for which they were cor- 
reded, I was refolved to know more of 
the matter before I could conclude upon 
our loft hopes. To that end I went to 



130 Sufferings of the Rebels 

Port Royal the loth day of June, and 
firft ihewed myfelf to my mafter Hutch- 
enjon^ who alked me, What I did there ? 
I told him I thought he knew my bufi- 
nefs ; Yes, faith he, for your freedom, 
I warrant. Whiles ye are come down, I 
would have you fpeak with the Gover- 
nour, that you may be fully refolved. 
He fpake as if he had been affured of 
my ill fuccefs. I went from him to con- 
fer with fome friends in town about my 
bufinefs, who could give me no encou- 
ragement, nor hopes of fuccefs. I fup- 
pofed that their conclufions were only 
from the former ill fuccefs, and therefore 
kept up my refolutions of fpeaking with 
the Governour, if poffible I could ; but 
could have none to affift, or accompany 
me in this undertaking : but all our 
fellow fufferers being fallen into defpair, 
advifed me againft it, fearing the whip ; 
and to render our condition worfe than 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

before. The fame evening I went about 
4 miles out of Town to fee if I could 
get Gideon Dare, one of our Men, to 
go with me to endeavour to fpeak with 
the Governour ; which I refolved to do, 
tho' I had heard they, under my cir- 
cumftance ^t Barbadoes, were denied 
their Liberty. But when I came to Mr. 
Dare, at the very fight of me he fell into 
fuch a paffion of forrows, and tears, and 
fobs, that he could not fpeak a word for 
awhile; which I endeavoured to put him 
out of, by afking him for fome vidluals 
and drink for fupper ; he told me they 
had fupped, but there was fomething left 
which he ordered to be brought. And 
let us have fome Punch made, faid I, 
hoping to bring him to a better temper, 
which was done : and after a little while, 
afked a reafon of his excefTive forrow. 
He told me we were all undone, we 
fhould never fee our wives and children 



I 3 2 Sufferings of the Rebels 

any more. I afked him how he knew 
that ; he told me there was no hope 
left, rehearfing the 111 fuccefs our Bre- 
thren had, by going to the Governour. 
I told him this did not altogether dif- 
courage me, and that I could not be 
fatisfied without farther enquiry in the 
matter : I told him my refolution was, 
if poflible, to fpeak with the Gover- 
nour, and defired his affiftance and com- 
pany in my endeavour ; which he flatly 
denied, faying, It was to no purpofe, 
there was no hope left for us : all my en- 
deavours that night would not prevail 
with him fo much as to go to Port 
Royal; fo about ii at night, we lay 
down to fleep, but my fleep was but 
little, for my * * # 

\HereJome leaves of the MS. are want- 
ing.'] * * you and others have re- 
ceived here, you do not bring evil upon 
the whole Hand, but rather, be favour- 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

able to the whole, for the fake of a few. 
Pray God dired you. I doubt not but 
God will find out his enemies, and the 
enemies of his faithful fervants, either 
by converfion or by deftrudtion. My 
love to Mr. Gideon Dare, and all your 
fhip-mates, and my love to your and 
my good friend Mrs. Elvin, not for- 
getting her Hufband. We had a weari- 
fome journey home ; but hope we ihall 
recover it. My Wife, and Sifter, John, 
and Robert, fend their love. This with 
my true love to yourfelf, and the other 
part of yourfelf when you fee her. I 
remain your unfained loving friend, 
Harkes Garhrand. 

This good man, at whofe houfe we 
had had many comfortable Sabbaths, 
was afraid fome judgement would befal 
the whole Hand for their cruelty to us : 
which tarried not long before it fell very 
heavy upon the Hand in general. 



134 Sufferings of the Rebels 

In order to our paflage home^ Mr. 
Dare and I and a few more got a paf- 
fage In a merchant fhip, the better to 
avoid the rude rabble in he Man of 
War ; and ours being more private, and 
men kept in better order. Having our 
leave of our friends, and received their 
prefents, which were valuable, and com- 
fortable in our Journey, we departed, 
and left the fight of the Hand the 9th 
day of September: 14th made the High- 
lands of Cuba : 15 th turned the Cape 
Antonio: i6th paft under the tropick 
of Cancer : 21ft came to the Havannay 
a well fortified Spani/Ii City, where Cap- 
tain Sprage went afhore to defire wood 
and water for our voyage ; which being 
granted we fleered for the harbour of 
MatanzaSj where entering we had a 
violent florm, but got in fafe. 29th 
Setting out ran a-ground, by good Pro- 
vidence got out fafe, and at about one 



fenteiiced by Judge Jefferies. 



in the morning, being very dark, we, 
were like to run upon the Florida Cape; 
but Land being difcovered by a fmall 
vefTel which was got a little before the 
Man of War, fired a gun to give no- 
tice ; the Man of War fired, and we 
all threw out our deeps, and found 12 
fathom ; the Man of War having but 
two fathom more than fiie drew, which 
put us all into a great confiernation : at 
which we fteered back till day light, and 
then entered the Gulf, and paft it 
fafely, which runneth between the de- 
grees of 24 and 28 latitude. 

We had a hard Pafiage by reafon of 
a contrary Wind, where we fprung a 
great leak. 9th of Ocflober we had a 
violent ftorm : loth the Man of War, 
about 1 1 o'clock, loft his fore-maft and 
main-yard full in our fight, at which 
our Captain cried out. He is gone, he 
is gone ; but they had their broad axes 



^IS 



136 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

ready^ and chopt off her rigging, and 
fhe recovered. In the fame ftorm the 
Antelope of London loft his mizen yard. 
Odober 17 and 18, we had very bad 
weather. Nov. i , On the Banks o^ New- 
foundland we had a very great ftorm, 
where we loft fight of 3 of our ftiips ; 
and foon after loft fight of all our fleet, 
which was 32 fail homeward bound. 
Nov. 5, At night we had an exceeding 
ftorm, which broke the tiller of our 
rudder, leaving the piece in the rudder 
head : that whole day the ftorm con- 
tinuing we were in very great diftrefs, 
but thro' the mercy of God in direding 
and afilfting me, who was the only Car- 
penter aboard, that night and next morn- 
ing that was fet at rights, the ftorm 
continuing : Monday, fplit our forefail 
and we were in great danger, our leak 
continued until Wednefday 13th at 
night. Thurfday 14th, we had a fair 



fentenced by Judge yefferies. 

wind and Tea, but loft fight of all our 
fleet in the ftorm. But here, I muft ob- 
ferve, the 5 th of November, at night 
before the ftorm, our Captain called up 
Mr. Dare and me into his Cabin to 
drink a bottle of wine with him, and 
while we were difcourfing of the won- 
derful deliverance we had on that day 
from the powder plot, it fell in very 
dark all of a fudden, and God w^s pleafed 
to give us a fign of the ftorm approach- 
ing by a corpofant on the top of the 
main maft ; by which we had a little 
time to prepare for it, by furling the 
fails, reefing, and lowering the main- 
yard, &c. So that by the mercy of God 
and his good providence we rode it out, 
with fuch damage as is before related. 
Though the Boatfwain, &c. were for 
lightening the Ship by cafting out her 
cargo, yet we prevented them, and all 
was faved. In this Storm our perfonal 



I 3 8 Sufferings of the Rebels 

fufFerings were great : The Teas rifing 
like mountains oft time broke in upon 
us, fo that we could light no fire, or 
drefs any provifion, or have any dry 
clothes, or lodging, for many days: Nei- 
ther could any obfervation of latitude 
be taken for 9 or lo days time, which 
put us in great fear. 15th Day our 
Mafter got an obfervation, and cried 
out with much joy, I have it, I have it. 
He prefently went to his Cabin and caft 
it, and came forth and comforted us, 
that we were well enough. But then 
for fear of the French Privateers, being 
alone, we came to a refolution to go to 
bottom fighting, rather than be carried 
to France. To this end we cleared our 
Decks, and pofted all our men to their 
particular great guns. But we had this 
benefit of the ftorm, the French were 
driven by it into their harbours, and we 
efcaped them fafely. 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

Saturday 22 nd at 4 o'Clock deeming 
we drew near fome land, founded and 
found 7 5 fathom of water ; next morn- 
ing founded and found 54 deep ; and 
at noon found ^o fathom. The firft fight 
of Land was a little below Plymouth. 

When we came near Plymouth^ I ad- 
vifed our Mafter by all means to put 
into the harbour, feeing we were alone, 
and the feas fo infefted with Privateers. 
I thought it prefumption to run the ad- 
venture, he was very adverfe to it, and 
palTed it by ; but I ftill perfuaded him 
to fhow better reafons againft it, than I 
had given for it : He told me it would 
coft 5/. for a Pilot to carry her in, and 
would be a month before they could get 
out again. I told him that feeing the 
fhip leaky, the feas dangerous, and we 
alone, it was great prefumption, and if 
we fhould get fafe to London thro' fuch 
hazards, his Mafters would not thank 



140 Sufferings of the Rebels 

him, nor commend his prudence ; and 
if we fhould mifcarry, he muft bear the 
blame. At which he ordered to turn 
back tho' we were as far up as Dart- 
mouth ; and when we were before Ply- 
mouthy fired a gun for a Pilot, who came 
ftraightway on board, and undertook it : 
and foon after came off cL man of wars 
8 men, to prefs our fea-men ; they feeing 
them coming, ran away from their work, 
and hid themfelves under deck amongft 
the goods. The fhip being under fail 
and near land, had not the Prefs helped 
us, we mufl afTuredly fplit upon the 
Rocks in the Harbour. We were fo near, 
before we could ftay the fhip that we 
were forced to draw her back from the 
rocks, by the anchors one after another, 
and fo were preferved by the good Pro- 
vidence of Gody and our endeavours, 
from this danger at Sea. The day we 
arrived was the 24th of November 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 



1690. On the fame day of the fame 
month we anchored in Jamaica 1685. 
So that our perilous times were by the 
inconceivable, wonderful mercy, and 
good Providence of our God^ by one 
half of what was intended by our ene- 
mies cut fhort. 

Dec. 4th got home, and found my 
Wife and 3 Sons living, but in a poor 
low condition. 



141 




Sufferings of the Rebels, 



[Since the publication of the preced- 
ing pages the matter fated to be 
wanting at page 132 has been found 
in a copy of the original MS, and 
is here given.'] 

# # # thoughts were fo fet upon the 
bufinefs I had refolved upon ; the fmall 
afTiftance I muft expedl from any others, 
who were generally unwilling to part 
with us, the difcouragements from our 
own men, and the difficulty of accefs to 
the Governour, who was always under 
a double-guard, and not to be fpoken 
with, without a Petition, approved of 
by his neareft attendants ; all which 
muft lye upon my hands : fo it hindered 
my lleep, but, not altered my refolution : 
thus ended the troubles of the loth of 
June 1690. 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

The next day, as foon as it was light, 
I got up ; and after looking up for gui- 
dance, direcftion and fuccefs to him that 
hath the hearts of Kings and Gover- 
nours, and difpofeth of times and things 
at his pleafure, I went forth and walked 
alone in the pafture behind the houfe ; 
confidering of drawing a Petition to the 
Governour in the beft form I could think 
of, which I thought muft be fhort, and 
without complaints, and refledlions up- 
on our Mafters, or complaints of our 
own fufferings,left we fhould caufe heats 
and difputes among them ; but after 
giving him the title of His Excellency, 
being an Earl, I thought the fetting be- 
fore him the miferies of our Wives and 
Children at home, for want of our la- 
bour to relieve their neceflities, the 
thoughts of which had quite broken the 
hearts of fome already, and in all like- 
lyhood would be the Death of many 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 



more of us, if not prevented by his cle- 
mency ; for which we were his Excel- 
lency's humble Petitioners and fhall ever 
pray &c. When I had confidered thefe 
things, Mr. Dare came forth to me and 
I again defired him to go with me to 
Port Royal; his anfwer was. What fhall 
I do there, 'tis to no purpofe, when I 
could not prevail with any arguments. 
An unufual Sign next to a wonder 
was fet before us, which was, a Negro 
went and opened the Penn of Sheep, and 
let them forth at large, and they fed in 
the pafture a little while, and after, went 
into the Penn of their own accord; while 
we flood at a diftance and faw them. 
At which I told him there was an exam- 
ple to ihew him, that, if he might be at 
liberty and would not, he might continue 
in the Penn if he pleafed. At which 
he faid, Then I will go with you ; and 
we fet out and came to Port Royal. Di- 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

vers of our men, of whom there were 
about 40 in the Town^ came to uSj and 
all of them were againft our petitioning; 
faying we fhould get nothing but the 
whip for our labor, and if fo they fhould 
never enjoy themfelves no more. I faid 
petitioning was no hanging matter, and 
if he were whipt in a juft caufe, it was 
no fhame, to follow my refolution. 

I went into my chamber alone, and 
drew out the Petition I had confidered 
on in the Morning, and fhew'd it to 
Mr. Dare and Richard Symes another 
of our men, and aiked their advice about 
the matter and manner of it ; who faid. 
It was well enough but to no purpofe. 
I made it my bufinefs in the afternoon 
to watch a fit opportunity to prefent my 
Petition, when the Governour was at 
liberty from company : and a little be- 
fore fun-fet, I found him walking in his 
back court alone, I ftept back and called 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies. 

Mr. Dare, and told him, now was the 
Time, when he was alone ; but he was 
very fearful and loth to go ; but at lafl: 
I got him to follow me ; and we came 
to the firfl Guard and told them, we had 
bufinefs to my Lord ; they faid, Pafs 
on. When we came to the fecond Guard 
we told them we had bufinefs to my 
Lord, What is your bufinefs, faid they : 
then I delivered the Petition which they 
read, and one of them carried it to the 
Governour his Mafter, and waited for 
his anfwer at the Entrance of the houfe ; 
and we were detained at the other gate, 
and could fee him walk to and fro in the 
court, perufing the Petition, and con- 
/idering the matter a confiderable time : 
At length he afked, where are the men ? 
The man that waited his motion beck- 
on'd to us, and we went in before him, 
who received us very kindly, with a com- 
pliment of a fmall bow ; he aiked me. 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

Are you one of the men that was with 
me before ? I anfwered. No my Lord, 
I never faw your Excellency 'till this 
day ; His anfwer was, I have received 
an order to fet you all free, and the King 
hath given orders for your coming 
home ; go, and pay your refpedls to 
your Mailers, and in two or three days 
your bufinefs fhall be accomplifhed. I 
humbly thanked his Excellency, and 
wifhed him a happy Government and 
withdrew. 

The Tidings went thro' the Town 
like lightening, and our fellow-fufFerers 
met us in the ftreet before we got into 
our quarters, making a great noife. They 
would have an Ox roafted in the ftreet ; 
I told them, that we were ordered by 
the Governour to behave ourfelves re- 
fpedfully to our Mafters, and if they 
would make fuch difturbance, I would 
begone and leave them as I found them. 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

They replied they would go and give 
us wine ; I told them, we would have 
none of their wine ; and with many per- 
fuafions we fent them to their homes, 
and we fhew'd ourfelves to both our 
Mafters with one and the fame Man, 
who faid, I hear you have got your Free- 
dom : we anfwered, We have the King's 
Order by the Governour for it. That 
very evening, a Knot of about a dozen 
of the Mafters were got together in the 
ftreet, whom I doubted were confulting 
againft us : and fo it appeared after- 
wards, for a Member of Parliament told 
me in London after I came home, that 
they had hired a iloop to bring a Peti- 
tion to the King and Parliament, fetting 
forth. That if we were taken away from 
them, they muft throw up the Hand ; 
for they had no others they could truft 
with their bufinefs. Which, he told 
me, they could do no lefs than make an 



Sufferings of the Rebels 

A(5l for our continuance in the Hand, 
but as free men there. The Governour 
having granted us our Freedom, called 
together his grand council next day, he 
delivered the Petition which was made 
to him, which they read, and the Go- 
vernour having waited a confiderable 
time, and they made no objedion, he 
told them, it was the King's pleafure, 
that thofe Men fhould be fet free ; and 
he defired that the Marfhal fhould be 
fent for, and make Proclamation : but 
the Council defired fome days' refpite ; 
which made us doubt of fome ill defign 
againft us. I told Mr. T)are that I 
thought they would not make Procla- 
mation while we were in Town, on 
which we concluded to go to our re- 
fpecftive homes : And foon after Procla- 
mation was made, that we were all Free- 
Men. We both went to Capt. Trankmor 
who had the King's orders to bring home 



fentenced by Judge Jeffertes. 

fuch as would, in a Ship of war, which 
was a Convoy to the Fleet, we afked 
him when he intended to fail ; he told 
us he had exprefs orders to ftay but one 
month in the Harbour, and no longer 
he would ftay, if the fleet would not get 
ready by the laft of June Inftant, he 
would go without them. Which words 
were heard by one that came at that time 
to invite him afhore to dinner, he told 
us what the charge of the Ship was to 
the King monthly, and refolved to keep 
to his time ; which refolution fo contra- 
dicted our taik-mafter's defign, as coft 
the captain his life ; for they had re- 
folved to detain the Convoy and Fleet. 
The pretended reafon was, that the 
Merchants could not get a Cargo ready ; 
but more probably the floop they had 
hired for three hundred pound, would 
not return fo foon from England with 
an A61 of Parliament to detain us in the 



I o Sufferings of the Rebels 

land of our captivity. No man knows 
better how to lay out his money for gain 
than a Merchant does. By it they ac- 
complifh their defigns as far as God doth 
permit. They know by experience that 
new comers to travail in that hot coun- 
try, and drinking high, with the heat 
of the country, and going to fee planta- 
tions, inclines men to drink, and puts 
their blood in fuch a ferment, and fcarce 
ever fails of carrying them off in a few 
days : which had proved fatal to King 
William's firft Captain that came to give 
notice of his acceffion to the Throne, 
and orders to turn out Papift Officers 
and putProteftants in their places. Now 
again our Captain had the like invitation 
and kindnefs fhewn him to ride out and 
fee their plantations with them, and had 
the fame fate with the former Captain : 
And now the Lieutenant being made 
Captain, and theGovernour their friend. 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

the Fleet, that was intended to fail the 
laft of June, was detained till the fourth 
of September following, by which they 
thought to have their purpofe on us : 
but not hearingof the return of the floop, 
the Governour, who knew the King's 
Order not to detain the Fleet, gave or- 
der for failing the 4th of September : 
but we muft lye at the Quay 1 Days 
longer, though the winter was coming 
on and failing would be dangerous. But 
our God had fruftrated their wicked de- 
figns againft us, for we never heard of 
the floop any more, and we were by the 
Mercy and Providence of God delivered 
out of their hands : but many of us 
were in miferable condition to take fuch 
a voyage in winter, being almoft naked, 
only a little linnen to cover their naked- 
nefs. Their condition I much pitied, 
and went with them to a Juftice in the 
Town before we fet fail, but our com- 



1 2 Sufferings of the Rebels 

plaint was to no purpofe. Though I 
had not as much caufe to complain as 
fome others, yet I told them our com- 
plaint may be heard in another place, 
and 'twas not for their honour, nor, might 
be, for their profit to fend away fuch 
men, as ferved fo long for nought, in 
fo fad a condition. 

As to my own cafe the owner of the 
Plantation where I ferved was Colonel 
Bach of London a very confcientious 
man ; who, about a year after my fer- 
vice began, fent me a letter, with very 
charitable and Chriftian and compafTion- 
ate expreflions ; That he had given or- 
ders to his Truftee Mr. Hutchinjon at 
Fort Royal to be kind to us, in fome 
priviledges to make up fome of our 
lofTes : and when our four years were 
expired the reft of our time that we 
ferved him, he fhould pay us wages for 
as to other free-men ; for, I fear God 



fentenced by Judge Jefferies, 

faith he, &c. Having incouragement 
from him, I followed my work and kept 
an account at a lower rate than is ufual 
in that country for work ; expeding 
my wages, I delivered the Bill of my 
particulars of my work to Mr. Hutch- 
infon, but received nothing *till I was 
jufl leaving the Hand, and made my laft 
vifit to take my leave of him, which I 
acquainted his apprentice with, for he 
kept himfelf above flairs, and ordered 
him to give me Ten Pound, which was 
all I had for my Bill of 2^^- i-^- ^d. 
There was 26/. IJ". id. pocket money 
for one that was overloaded before, and 
had neither wife nor Child to leave it 
to. 

My true friend Mr. Harkes Garhrand 
was with me fome Days at Fort Royal, 
and was acquainted with our hard mea- 
fure from our Mafters. On which ac- 
count as foon as he returned home, he 



14 Sufferings of the Rebels, 

fent me a letter exprefs by a Negro^ 
which I here recite in his own words. 

Morant, Auguft i6th 1690. 

Dear Friend, 

You are much on my heart and 
I know you are no whit behind me in 
reciprocal love. I cannot, nor fhall not, 
be unmindful of you at the Throne of 
Grace, hoping and befeeching that God's 
Prefence may accompany you in the 
voyage and abide with you to your jour- 
ney's end. Something I have to fay to 
you ; Confider of that, while you com- 
plain of the injuries * * 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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